MikeLigalig.com

INDIAN CHAMBER ON ASEAN INTEGRATION. The Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce Inc. (FICCI) recently held a forum on “ASEAN Integration: How Will Philippine Business Benefit?” at the Marriott Hotel in Pasay City. Panelists were Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Ramon M. Lopez, Presidential Adviser on Entrepreneurship and ASEAN Business Advisory Council (BAC) Chairman Joey Concepcion, and Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industries (PCCI) President George Barcelon. In his remarks, Sec. Lopez reassured members of the FICCI that the ASEAN integration will bring greater opportunities for businesses. Photo shows (from left): FICCI Corporate Secretary Ravi Samtani, Mr. George Barcelon, FICCI President Rex Daryanani, ABS-CBN News Channel Producer and Anchor Caroline Howard as panel moderator, Sec. Ramon Lopez, Mr. Joey Concepcion, and FICCI Vice President for Internal Affairs Lal Chatlani. (END)

Now Is the Acceptable Time

"The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon Me, Because the LORD has anointed Me To preach good tidings to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, To proclaim liberty to the captives, And the opening of the prison to those who are bound; To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord, And the day of vengeance of our God; To comfort all who mourn." Isaiah 61:1-2

God’s timing is perfect! When He speaks, the time to respond in obedience is now. We often act as if we have all the time in the world to obey Him, but history doesn’t wait on our commitments. There is no such thing as postponing a decision with God. Either we obey, or we disobey. It is either faith or unbelief, obedience or disobedience. When God announces that now is the acceptable time, what you do next is critical. How often people have been unprepared when a word came to them from the LORD. God said, “Now is the time for you to respond to Me” and their response was, “But I’m not ready. I have some things I need to do first. I’m too busy!” (Matt. 8:21). God’s timing is always perfect. He knows you, and He is fully aware of your circumstances. He knows all that He has built into your life until now, and He extends His invitation knowing that His resources are more than adequate for any assignment He gives you. That is why Scripture tells us God is concerned with our heart. If we do not keep our heart in love with Jesus, our disobedience when God speaks could affect the lives of others. When God speaks it is always out of the context of eternity. We don’t have to know all the implications of what He is asking. We just have to know that it is a word from almighty God. “Now” is always the acceptable time to respond to the Lord!       Henry and Richard Blackaby

Cayetano welcomes resumption of anti-drug war

Senator Alan Peter Cayetano today welcomed the Duterte administration’s decision to step-up its anti-drug war to be pursued by “efficient and honest” police personnel, in tandem with anti-drug operatives of the government.

“It should now be our people’s war against drugs, not just President Duterte’s drug war, because it is our fight for our families’ safety, rights and values," Cayetano said as he called on the public anew to continue supporting the campaign. 

The senator said while new reforms and guidelines have been put in place by the administration, he urged professional and decent law enforcers to continue to be vigilant in order to prevent scalawags from pursuing their criminal activities.

He said President Rodrigo Duterte’s order to relaunch the anti-drug campaign, still under the supervision of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) and backed by smaller task forces composed of police personnel with no history of corruption, augurs well for the objectives he set.

He cited the strengths and challenges of both: PNP’s 160,000 manpower with jurisdiction all the way to the barangay level while PDEA is backed by its proven tactical operations culled from focused intelligence data on drug syndicates.

“We thank the President for reiterating his commitment to ending our country’s perennial problem on illegal drugs,” Cayetano stressed.

“A successful anti-drug campaign will mean fewer crimes and more peaceful communities, with our families as the biggest gainers in the process,” he added.

“We need all the help we can get to succeed in our fight. And so I also call on our people, our families and all sectors in society to help us win our war, our people’s war against drugs."

The senator reiterated his call to local government units, agencies, and the civic, religious, and youth sectors to help win the people’s war on drugs, specifically to initiate and implement their own programs not only for their communities’ safety but for the rehabilitation of drug-affected families in their towns.

“This is our people’s war on drugs, our fight for the right of every family to a peaceful and safe community, to uphold the right of every peace-loving Filipino to be protected,” the senator said.

“This is not just President Duterte’s war, it’s ours!” he intoned.

Gold panner killed in Masbate; cop nabbed for 2016 murder in Albay
By Jorge Hallare

LEGAZPI CITY, Feb. 28 (PNA) -- A gold panner was killed in Aroroy, Masbate on Monday evening while an active policeman assigned in Camp Crame was arrested on Monday morning in his house in Polangui, Albay for the murder of a military man last year, said reports that reached the Police Regional Office in Bicol (PRO5) Tuesday.

Sr. Insp. Ma. Luisa Calubaquib, PRO5 spokesperson, said in Masbate, the gold panner identified as Randy M. Rudio, 38, was dead on the spot after four unidentified gunmen sprayed bullets at him and three other companions while they were in front of a videoke bar in Barangay Puro, Aroroy town on Monday night.

Rudio’s three other companions were wounded in the attack.

Calubaquib said at 9:30 p.m., the gunmen who were on board two motorcycles arrived and for no apparent reason shot Rudio and his three friends as they were talking in front of Acacia Videoke K Bar.

Rudio’s three companions, who were identified as Julius S. Ramones, 25, also a gold panner; and Carmi Grace Clarion, 30, and Grace Benesano, 26, both guest relation officers of the videoke bar, were rushed to the Masbate Provincial Hospital for treatment.

Investigators from the Aroroy Municipal Police Office and Masbate Provincial Police Office said Rudio died from gunshot wounds on his chest and head.

Some 12 empty shells of a .45-cal. pistol were recovered from the crime scene.

In Albay, Chief Insp. Arthur Gomez, spokesperson and chief of Investigation Division of Albay Provincial Police Office, said SPO1 Ernesto LLadones Jr. gave up peacefully on Monday morning when arrested in his house in Barangay Centro Occidental, Polangui town for the murder of a military officer that was triggered by a traffic altercation in July 2016.

Gomez said Lladones, 36, who is currently assigned at the PSPG-Protection and Escort Unit in Camp Crame in Quezon City, was arrested at 10 a.m. by combined provincial policemen and municipal policemen led by PO3 Nestor Sarile Jr.

A warrant of arrest was issued against Lladones after he shot to death Cpl. Anthony P. Manuel, an active member of the Intelligence Service of the Armed Forces of the Philippines when they engaged in a heated argument after their motorcycles collided at an intersection in Barangay Magurang in Polangui town on July 5, 2016.

The victim was from Barangay Balogo, Oas town, also in Albay.

Gomez said no bail bond was given for the temporary liberty of Lladones. (PNA)

Surprise inspection at Cebu provincial jail yields contraband

CEBU CITY, Feb. 28 (PNA) -- A surprise inspection at dawn Tuesday at the Cebu Provincial Detention and Rehabilitation Center (CPDRC) in Barangay Kalunasan, Cebu City yielded contraband, including illegal drugs, cellphones, cash, bladed weapons and other gadgets, an official said.

The “greyhound operation” was conducted by operatives of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) 7 at the CPDRC, home of Cebu famous dancing inmates.

PDEAD 7 Director Yogi Filemon Ruiz said they seized 19 medium-sized packs of white crystals believed to be methamphetamine hydrochloride, more commonly known as shabu, more than 80 cell phones, cash amounting to PHP92,000, bladed weapons, laptops and notebooks containing lists of creditors.

Ruiz said they were tapped by the Office of the Governor of Cebu to search the jail, which has more than 3,000 inmates.

Ruiz said they went inside the jail facility in Barangay Kalunasan, Cebu City, at 1 a.m. Tuesday, with the assistance of personnel from the Cebu Provincial Police Office-Public Safety Company and Armed Forces of the Philippines-Central Command (AFP-Centcom).

"We searched the entire facility," Ruiz said.

Ruiz said they included the cell of suspected drug lord Alvaro "Barok" Alvaro in the search.

The CPDRC is situated near the Cebu City Jail.

A surprise greyhound operation conducted by PDEA 7 and the police in both jails in August last year also yielded illegal drugs, cash and bladed weapons. (PNA)

Davao Sur gov leads groundbreaking of P140-M road concreting project

MAGSAYSAY, Davao del Sur, Feb. 28 (PNA) â€"- Governor Douglas Cagas spearheaded the ceremonial groundbreaking of the PHP140-million concreting project on a farm-to-market road here Tuesday morning.

Cagas was accompanied by Mayor Arthur Davin, Vice Mayor Donnabel Joy Mejia, municipal councilors, and Department of Agriculture regional executive director Engr. Ricardo Onate Jr. in laying the time capsule and unveiling of the billboard to signal the start of construction work.

He displayed no animosity to local officials even as he ran with the rival political party during the 2016 national and local elections. This was the first time that he appeared in an activity here after his assumption to office late last year.

"Let us forget politics. It will just pass by in three years time but the implementation of projects must be sustained,” Cagas said in his message during the program.

He said he is already old and that he wanted to spend the remaining of days of his life providing services to his people in the province.

The project covers the 12-kilometer stretch from Barayong, Mabini, Bala to Upper Bala which is under the Philippine Rural Development Project (PRDP). The total project cost reaches PHP140,105,207. The cost sharing will be 80 percent loan proceeds from World Bank (PHP112,084,165), 10 percent Government of the Philippines (PHP14,010,520) and 10 percent Equity from the Local Government Unit (PHP14,010,520).

For his part, Davin said the project proposal has since been submitted for approval sometime in October 2015 and it was only this time that the actual implementation was realized.

“It has been very tough in getting this project but here we are now. I would just like to appeal for full cooperation of our constituents for the smooth project implementation,” he said. (PNA)
LAP/LCM/ANTHONY S. ALLADA/LDP

AFAB vows support to Death March tribute

MARIVELES, Bataan, Feb. 28 (PNA) -- The Authority of the Freeport Area of Bataan (AFAB), in cooperation with the Bataan Provincial Government and Tourism Council, has vowed full support to the plan of the Philippine Veterans Bank (PVB) and the Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO) to rehabilitate and maintain the Death March markers in this town as part of the celebration of the 75th Anniversary of the World War II â€" Bataan Death March.

The funds of the project will be raised through the Bataan Freedom Run and Mariveles-San Fernando-Capas Freedom Trail, two athletic events that aim to relive the heroism and valor of the Filipino and American soldiers by tracing the route of the Death March.

“This event is a good venue for the AFAB to show its gratitude to our heroes. Their courage to fight for our country will always be remembered. We are proud to say that the whole area of the Freeport Area of Bataan (FAB) has once witnessed the heroism of our fellow countrymen,” AFAB chairman and administrator Emmanuel D. Pineda said.

Pineda said the AFAB and the FAB Investor, Locator Association (FABILA) are thankful to PVAO, PVB and the organizer, Without Limits Consultancy, for giving them the opportunity to host the Bataan Freedom Run and Freedom Trail.

"We will, once again, witness another milestone in the Philippine history as thousands of Filipinos, relatives of American veterans and international partners gather for this momentous event,” he added.

Slated on April 2, 2017, the Bataan Freedom Run will feature a 42-kilometer full marathon, a 21km half-marathon, and 10km, 5km and 1km courses for running aficionados, kids, and pets.

The Freedom Run follows the route of the Bataan Death March and will start at Kilometer Zero in Mariveles.

On the other hand, the Freedom Trail will feature a punishing 160-kilometer run with individual and team relay categories for marathoners, as well as similar-distanced bike trail. The new event will be held from April 10 â€" 11 and will cover the Death March route from Mariveles, Bataan to Capas, Tarlac.

The 75th Anniversary of the Bataan Death March will be celebrated worldwide and the twin events are PVB’s contribution to the worldwide remembrance of this infamous chapter in WWII history.<>Through the efforts of Bataan Governor Albert Raymond S. Garcia and the Bataan Tourism Council, the tribute to the World War II heroes will also be held simultaneously in Mexico.

Sons and daughters of the American WWII veterans are also expected to join the commemoration anniversary in the FAB.

“We don’t call it the fall of Bataan anymore. We call it the heroism in Bataan, valor in Corregidor. We are celebrating the values that the Death March represent,” PVAO administrator Ernesto G. Carolina said.(PNA)

Masterplan grilled anew
Published by Negros News on September 27, 1999

Early last week, the "privilege" letter from the regional director of the Department of Interior and Local Government to the Dumaguete DILG head leaked to the media.

From there, DILG Regional Director Roberto Abejero described the city's masterplan as "short of requirements."

It was learned that the city DILG head only solicited Abejero's comment on the masterplan for her personal consumption as a guide, but Abejero disclosed the development to some media practitioners here in some interviews, as an authority on the issue.

Abejero cited provisions in the Local Government Code, particularly the formulation of a development plan against the requirement of a comprehensive land use plan.

Abejero said that since the administration presented the masterplan as "more of a physical framework than a multi-sectoral development plan," it can be considered as alternative to the comprehensive development plan in a way, based on its "physical-plan" nature.

Abejero pointed out that the formulation of a development plan still has to follow the same "procedure of approval and adoption" for its acceptability, even if it is the local government's voluntary effort to come up with its own development.

In the usual legal process, development plans have to pass through the constituents' approval based on public hearings and consultations conducted by a hearing board, aside from the required blue print of the plan to be prepared by the Local Development Council, Abejero explained.

The LGC requires every LGU to come up with a comprehensive multi-setoral development plan and comprehensive land use plan to be enacted through zoning ordinances which would be the basis for future use of the city's land resources and distributing development.

These plans have to be approved by the City Council.

City Information Officer Jimmy Abayon earlier said that public consultations were done in a way that elicited questions and suggestions from all sectors in the community.

He described the consultations as both a forum and a presentation. Compared to normal public hearings where the audience is composed of limited sectoral representations, the separate consultations with the business sector, the academic community, to include students, barangay officials, church groups, non-governmental organizations, senior citizens and ordinary residents among others resulted to more judicious reactions and comprehensive inputs.

Abayon earlier assured that the masterplan was designed in conformity with the city's CLUP which was passed in 1994.

He said there is no question about any conflict between the implementation of the projects under the masterplan and the data in the CLUP, saying the masterplan's land use element was based on the CLUP.

Abayon explained that the masterplan and the CLUP are two separate plans. The masterplan, as a general plan, serves as the community's "constitution" for the development and use of its land. It is a comprehensive, long-term document, detailing proposals for the physical development of the local government unit enacted through zoning and subdivision regulations as provided in Republic Act 7160.

Meanwhile, the CLUP is a specific plan to guide the use of the city's land areas detailing zones of development.

Negros Occidental governor pushes localized peace talks

BACOLOD CITY, Feb. 28 (PNA) -- Negros Occidental Governor Alfredo Marañon Jr. is pushing for localized peace talks with the communist rebels in the province.

Marañon disclosed the plan in a report Tuesday after President Rodrigo Duterte scrapped the peace talks with the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) earlier this month.

“Ever since I got elected as governor, I’ve been telling them to leave the armed struggle and return to the society,” he said.

The Provincial Government of Negros Occidental has been working with the Philippine Army (PA) for the implementation of the Comprehensive Local Integration Program (CLIP) for former rebels.

The program seeks to provide former rebels psycho-social and socio-economic security and guide them to become productive members of the society.

During a review and assessment meeting last month, Provincial Planning and Development Coordinator Ma. Lina Sanogal, also action officer of Provincial Peace Integration and Development Unit, gave an orientation on the programs and projects of the provincial government designed to benefit the former rebels, help the community, and protect the environment.

Marañon told the former rebels, “The provincial government is always here for you, ready to help you.”

The governor also urged them to send their children to school since the educated have more opportunities. (PNA)

Pampanga LGU exec asks for 'Oplan Tokhang' revival

MABALACAT CITY, Pampanga, Feb. 28 (PNA) -- The city executive here has asked for the revival of "Oplan Tokhang" to contain the possible resurgence of illegal drugs.

Mayor Marino Morales said he called on the local government units (LGUs), League of Municipalities of the Philippines (LMP), City League of the Philippines (CLP), and the Governors' League of the Philippines to come up with a resolution asking President Rodrigo Duterte to restore "Oplan Tokhang" under the Philippine National Police (PNP).

This, after Mabalacat Police Chief Superintedent Juritz Rara noted that although drug situation in this city is still manageable but most of drug personalities were again back in their previous activities.

“As the top cop of Mabalacat City Police Station, I will always follow the directives set by the PNP and orders given by our Commander in Chief. Oplan Tokhang is one of the best if not the best program implemented by the PNP but it was abused by a few policemen,” Rara said.

“As of now, we are trying our best to help the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) in their campaign against illegal drugs by giving information to them and making demand reduction efforts such as awareness seminars and lectures,” Rara said.

"The crimes are once again in the upward trend as I believe that crimes and illegal drug problem are directly related with each other," he said.

The PNP noted that 18 out of 27 barangays in Mabalacat City are now drug-free based on the parameters set by the Philippine National Police.

The 18 barangays as Bical, Poblacion, San Joaquin, San Francisco, Mamatitang, Tabun, Dolores, Sto. Rosario, Sta. Maria, Mangalit, Paralayunan, Bundagul, Sapang Balen, Mawaque Resettlement, Sta. Ines, Macapagal Village, Calumpang and Cacutud. (PNA)

Soldier dies, militiaman unscathed in Zamboanga del Norte town ambush

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Feb. 28 (PNA) -- Troops are tracking down the gunmen behind the ambush-slay of a soldier early Tuesday in the municipality of Sirawai, Zamboanga del Norte.

A militiaman accompanying the soldier emerged unscathed from the incident.

Chief Insp. Jimmy Abrasaldo, Sirawai police chief, identified the fatality as TSgt. Zaldy Caling-Caling, 42, of the Army’s 13th Special Force Company.

Unscathed was Dandan Lacsayao, a member of the militia force.

Abrasaldo disclosed the incident occurred around 7 a.m. Tuesday in Sitio Lote, Barangay Saint Mary, Sirawai, Zamboanga del Norte.

Abrasaldo said Caling-Caling was driving a motorcycle with Lacsayao when four unidentified gunmen repeatedly shot them.

He noted that Caling-Caling and Lacsayo were traveling to the town proper of Sirawai coming from Narra Detachment in Barangay San Vicente at the time of the incident.

Following the incident, policemen in coordination with the military were deployed to scour possible hiding places of the ambushers.

He said investigation is underway to identify the four gunmen. (PNA)

Iloilo LGU to bid construction of Php50-M football stadium

ILOILO CITY, Feb. 28 (PNA) -- Owing to its moniker as the "football capital" of the country, the local government unit of Barotac Nuevo is now gearing to submit to bidding the construction of its Php50-million football stadium.

In an interview Tuesday, Mayor Braeden John Biron said that they already submitted the required documents to the Bids and Awards Committee (BAC). They hope to start with the construction anytime next month and complete it in 12 to 18 months.

Bulk of the fund will be sourced from the Php140-million savings of the town. Also, senator friends of his father, Iloilo Fourth District Representative Ferjenel Biron, donated Php5 million for the project, the mayor said.

He noted that the football stadium could accommodate around 5,000 spectators and when completed will serve as venue for international tournaments.

As the country’s football capital, Biron mentioned that their town is home for aspiring football players and through the stadium, athletes could further improve their skills.

Meanwhile, the mayor is also eyeing to construct other key infrastructures like market mall and improve their town plaza.

He said that he will also help the Department of Education (DepEd) by prioritizing the construction of Senior High School buildings in Barotac Nuevo.

Today, the town launched its “First Barotac Journey to Excellence,” a quiz bee conceptualized mainly to encourage pupils to strive hard in their studies.

The contest was participated in by 84 elementary pupils from 27 public and private elementary schools who competed in Math, English and Science subjects.

Biron spent Php100,000 from his salary to fund the event in fulfilling his commitment to use his salary to support the education program of his town. (PNA)

Buy bust in Legazpi City terminal yields P150,000 worth 'shabu'
By Jorge Hallare

LEGAZPI CITY, Feb. 28 (PNA) â€"- Agents of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) arrested a known personality in the illegal drug trade in this city who yielded P150,000 worth of shabu (methamphetamine hydrochloride) during a buy bust operation at the city bus terminal Tuesday morning.

Enrique Lucero, acting provincial officer of PDEA-Albay and Catanduanes, said the suspect identified as Jeff Borromeo was arrested for possession of bulks of shabu that were placed inside 10 transparent plastic sachets, each sachet weighing 5 grams, at 11:50 a.m. in the vicinity of the Legazpi City Grand Terminal along Tahao Road.

Lucero said the Legazpi City Police Office headed by Supt. Nilo Berdin helped mount the buy bust operation against Borromeo, a resident of Barangay Sabang in this city.

According to Lucero, Borromeo’s arrest is a big blow to his group that is supplying shabu to barangays, particularly those surrounding the central business district.

“The suspect will be presented to PDEA Director General Isidro Lapeña who is expected to visit the PDEA regional office inside Camp Gen. Simeon Ola tomorrow,” said Lucero. He did not give any other details on Lapeña's visit. (PNA)

Cavite forges multi-sector collaboration on climate change awareness
By Gladys S. Pino

DASMARIŇAS CITY, Cavite, Feb. 28 (PNA) -- The Cavite Provincial Government through its Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (PDRRMC) has collaborated with De La Salle University-Dasmariñas (DLSU-D), ABS-CBN DocuCentral and the Norwegian Royal Embassy on information and education campaign and awareness on climate change.

The collaborative partnership took a non-traditional approach in bringing to the fore the subject of climate change by showing the ABS-CBN documentary “Warmer” to hundreds of DLSU students at the DLSU-D Auditorium in this city.

Hosted by ABS-CBN News Anchor Atom Araullo, the documentary film “Warmer” digs into the serious climate conditions experienced by the Philippines and Norway.

Hera Sanchez, executive producer of “Warmer” presented an overview where the documentary earned recognition from the Catholic Mass Media Awards for its promotion of human values and love for life.

The film was also a finalist in the climate change and sustainability category in the New York Festivals Awards for international TV programs and films.

The documentary film screening was part of the 2017 Information Education Campaign (IEC) slogan “Be aware, do your share; in this changing climate, be the positive change.”

Cavite PDRRM Officer Cecil Miranda welcomed the student participants and encouraged them to use their dynamism and knowledge toward positive transformation.

Provincial Planning Development Coordinator Jesus Barrera relayed Cavite Governor Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla’s message to underscore the significance of cooperation and communication among agencies.

Barrera said the collaborative undertaking promotes awareness among future leaders â€" the youth - on the challenge of climate change urging them to exercise compassion in what and how they act.

Norwegian Embassy Communication Adviser Ian Vergel Agsalda spelled out the ABCs of success where A stands for being the Ambassador and role model; B for being brave to face the challenges; and C for being consistent in every action.

“Climate change is not a choice, but a necessity. Therefore, everyone must act now,” Agsalda added.

He also thanked the Cavite government for this initiative to stir up the youth’s awareness in bringing about transformation.

The open forum tackled climate change issues on how the province transforms years from now and some expert advice on how the future leaders can bring about positive change in achieving a better and safer Cavite.

Local government representatives reiterated the importance of being pro-active and getting involved as Cavite’s transformation 10 hence greatly depends on how they start to act now. (PNA)

Negros provinces to have faster development, stronger economy under NIR

BACOLOD CITY, Feb. 28 (PNA) -- Undersecretary for Public Safety Jesus Hinlo Jr. of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) said both Negros Occidental and Negros Oriental will have faster development and stronger economy if they will stay under one region.

The DILG official’s statement was reported Wednesday as the campaign to retain the Negros Island Region (NIR) continues with the support of DILG Secretary Ismael Sueno himself.

Hinlo, who is a Negrense, said President Rodrigo Duterte has heard the appeals of the DILG and of the Negros governors and mayors to retain the NIR.

He said the issue on the NIR may be tackled in the next Cabinet meeting in March.

For his part, Negros Occidental Governor Alfredo Marañon Jr. said NIR was able to operate and develop even without the budget last year and also this year as shown in the accomplishment reports of the regional line agencies.

Sueno had earlier said that National Economic Development Authority Director-General Ernesto Pernia and Budget Secretary Benjamin Diokno have expressed opposition to the retention of the NIR.

However, Marañon Jr. said the growing support for the retention of NIR, or Region 18, especially from Sueno and other Cabinet secretaries is “encouraging.”

Marañon had met with Sueno in Manila first week of January to discuss updates on their campaign to save the NIR.

The governor also said he is grateful to Sueno for going out of his way to gather support for the retention of NIR.

“I would like to echo my deep gratitude to Secretary Sueno and the DILG family for their vocal expression of support on the retention of Region 18,” Marañon had ealier said.

The Executive Order creating the NIR was signed by former President Benigno Aquino III on May 29, 2015. It separated Negros Occidental from Western Visayas, and Negros Oriental from Central Visayas to form the country’s 18th region. (PNA)

IDC MarketScape positions Accenture as leader

Global outsourcing firm Accenture has again been positioned as a leader in the IDC MarketScape: Service Providers for EMEA Utilities 2017 Vendor Assessment. The report evaluated Accenture and 14 other firms that provide services to the utilities industry. Accenture was recognized for several strengths in serving utilities clients. Matias Alonso, senior managing director for the Accenture utilities industry group, said the recognition demonstrates Accenture's commitment to remain at the cutting edge of innovation in the utilities industry. The report noted that Accenture differentiates itself by focus on innovation, evolving its offerings across the value chain to meet customer needs, its global delivery network and utilities hubs, and a robust ecosystem of partners and alliances.

Omega Healthcare is BPO organisation of the year at World HRD Congress

Omega Healthcare, an established and rapidly expanding company in the healthcare BPO/KPO space, has recently been named BPO Organisation of the Year at the World HRD Congress 2017 held in Mumbai. The company, which has offices in Bengaluru, Chennai, Trichy and Bhimavaram in India and also Manila and Cebu in the Philippines, is also the recipient of "Excellent in Training & Development Award" and "Best Corporate Film Educating on Diversity & Inclusion". It also won the 31st rank of "Dream Companies to Work For, a category that saw over 460 companies participating from across multiple industries. Omega has an employee strength of more than 11,000 people.

Qualfon employees complete 39,000 hours of community service

Global contact center services provider Qualfon said its 12,000 employees volunteered 39,011 hours of service last year supporting 162 charitable organizations and non-profit agencies. Examples of employee volunteerism include teaching others, visiting hospitals, building houses, adopting graduates and school children, lending a helping hand, cleaning, walking dogs, caring for children and the elderly, feeding the homeless, and donating food, clothes, blood, school supplies and health supplies. Dolores Torres, Give@Work & Mission Office Director at Qualfon, said community service is synonymous with Qualfon's company mission to be the best BPO, and make people's lives better.

Datamatics Global Services set up new entity in the Philippines
Indian Datamatics Global Services, a global provider of IT and business process outsourcing (BPO) services, has incorporated a new entity named Datamatics Global Services Corp in the Philippines. The move is part of Datamatics' efforts to expand clientele and presence in the Asian region. The incorporation immediately sent Datamatics's stock jumping by 2.10% on the Bombay Stock Exchange in India. Datamatics provides information technology, engineering solutions, and outsourcing services to several Fortune 500 companies.

Indecomm integrates with Encompass
Indecomm Global Services, a provider of mortgage technology, training and outsourcing services, said it has integrated with Ellie Mae's Encompass mortgage management solution. The partnership enables lenders to access Indecomm's IncomeGenius for income calculation and analysis through an all-in-one mortgage management solution. Indecomm services its clients from global delivery centers and offices, including the Philippines. The seamless integration allows lenders to perform an income analysis with IncomeGenius directly through Encompass to drive quality and efficiency in the loan origination process, Indecomm said.

50 US firms join Philippine BPO forum in New York
At least 50 American companies and individuals from the healthcare and medical insurance industry attended the Philippine healthcare information management offshoring forum in New York recently. The forum was organized by the 17-company delegation from the Healthcare Information Management Association of the Philippines (HIMAP). The 50 US firms were briefed about Philippine offshoring opportunities and the HIMS Roadmap 2022. The Philippines’ HIMS sector has grown by 41.03% (CAGR) or USD1.3bn since 2011. A testimonial presentation entitled A US Company’s Offshoring Experience in the Philippines was shared by John Chess, Managing Director, KMC Solutions. The Philippine delegation travelled to New York, Orlando, Houston, and San Francisco.

Some US BPO firms delay expansion plans - Jobstreet
Recruitment website Jobstreet.com said the economic policies of US President Donald Trump have prompted some American companies to delay expansion plans in the Philippines. Among the expansion plans that have been pushed back to the middle of the year from the first quarter are those for projects in Dumaguete, Cebu and Davao. Jobstreet.com country manager Philip Gioca said the US firms have a wait-and-see attitude and are very cautious on the directions of the American government. Jobstreet.com data, however, showed that despite uncertainty over Trump, job demand from the business process outsourcing (BPO) sector increased 20%, with BPO and SMEs expanding in the provinces fueling the demand.

IT-BPM industry told to pay attention to talent pool
A recognized Google developer in the Philippines has urged the Information Technology-Business Process Management (IT-BPM) to pay attention to making its talent pool better or risk losing to other countries. Albert Padin, the only recognized Google developer in the country, said developers need to get better and stay relevant to entice companies to locate here instead of going to China. Padin was in Cebu for Code Camp, a gathering of more than 1,600 developers from all over the country. Padin said the main challenge of a developer is to always keep up and stay updated. He also said that Cebu’s IT-BPM sector, which employs around 150,000 presently, is known for its good performance in voice services as well as some non-voice transactions.

Convergys revenue up 1% in Fourth Quarter

Convergys Corp said fourth quarter 2016 revenue grew only 1% to USD758m from USD751.8 a year earlier. The revenue figure for the quarter included USD8m adverse foreign currency impacts and the USD37m from the acquired buw operations. Operating income dropped USD51m compared with USD61m a year earlier, the company said in a statement. The fourth-quarter 2016 results included acquisition-related and other impacts consisting of a USD7m amortization expense for acquired intangible assets, a USD1m depreciation expense related to the fair value write-up of acquired property and equipment, aUSD2m integration and transaction expenses, a USD5m non-cash pension settlement charge, and a USD20m tax expense related to legal-entity restructuring and cash repatriation activities.

Cebu office vacancy rate to go down this year - Colliers
Colliers International said vacancy rate for office spaces in Cebu is currently at 10% but this is expected to go down this year with the coming in of more knowledge process outsourcing (KPO) firms. Colliers research manager Joey Roi Bondoc said Cebu's vacancy rate is equivalent to 12,000 square meters out of the inventory of 120,000 square meters expected this year. Bondoc, however, said more KPO companies from Metro Manila are looking to expand in Cebu, especially offshore gaming operators. Offshore gaming facility's minimum take-up is generally 10,000 square meters.

CGS named among IAOP global outsourcing 100 this year
New York-headquartered outsourcing firm CGS was named in the 2017 Global Outsourcing 100 by the International Association of Outsourcing Professionals (IAOP). This is the second consecutive year CGS has received the recognition. The 2017 Global Outsourcing 100 (GO100) recognizes the world's best outsourcing service providers. It is a definitive guide to help companies research and compare service providers with whom they are considering relationships. Michael D. Mills, Senior Vice President, Call Center Solutions at CGS, said the company is privileged to again have the IAOP recognize it as among the global outsourcing 100 world's best service providers.

FICCI group seeks closer India-Philippines ties
The Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce (Philippines) Inc (FICCI) is seeking closer economic cooperation between New Delhi and Manila. This was revealed by Rex Daryanani, FICCI president, in an interview with reporters. Among others, Daryanani said India and the Philippines can boost partnerships in the sectors of information technology, business process outsourcing and pharmaceutical. The FICCI chief said India has invited President Rodrigo Duterte to go on a state visit to the South Asian country. Daryanani mentioned that Indian businessmen are optimistic with the growth of the country under the Duterte administration.

Zendesk opens new Manila office
American customer service software firm Zendesk Inc has recently launched a new office in Taguig City, providing job opportunities for over 200 people. Zendesk CEO Mikkel Svane said the company is banking on the Asia-Pacific region's talent pool that he describes as huge. Svane said the Asia-Pacific region is a key focus for Zendesk with paid customer accounts growing by over 35% year-over-year. The company picked the Philippines as its regional customer experience hub to access the local pool of highly skilled technical talent with its strong English-language ability. Zendesk first opened its offices in Manila in 2014 with a team focused on sales, support and presales. The Zendesk Manila office measures over 2,200 square meters.

Philippine business confidence broadly steady for Q1
Confidence among businessmen in the Philippines was broadly steady for the first three months of this year, following a decline in Q4 2016. The sentiment of businesses in the Philippines mirrored the steady business outlook in France and the euro area. The overall confidence index declined slightly at 39.4% for Q1 2017 from 39.8% for Q4 2016. Business confidence remained steady as a number of respondents expressed apprehensions over a number of factors, including the effects of the economic policy of the Trump administration to the business process outsourcing industry. For the next quarter, business outlook improved, with the CI rising to 47.2% from 34.5% predicted in the last quarter’s survey.

WGroup cited is one of world's best outsourcing advisors
The International Association of Outsourcing Professionals (IAOP) has named WGroup as one of The World's Best Outsourcing Advisors for 2017. WGroup is an independent technology and outsourcing advisory firm that helps organizations drive IT transformation. The ranking was based on rigorous scoring methodology to distinguish the top 20 consulting, legal and sourcing advisory firms in the world. WGroup’s President & CEO, Harry Wallaesa said the company is honored to be named in The World’s Best Outsourcing Advisors list based on the passion expressed and advocacy from its clients. Wallaesa said the recognition affirms WGroup's leadership in the sourcing advisory space.

Laguna's Garden Plaza gets BPO location certification
The Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) has certified Garden Plaza, a retail commercial development by DDC Land in Sta. Rosa, Laguna, as a business process outsourcing (BPO) location. DDC Land said Garden Plaza received the registration as an Information Technology Center on 7 February, pursuant to the Presidential Proclamation No 125 signed by President Rodrigo Duterte. The Garden Plaza is a two-level mall situated in a 5.8-hectare multi-phase commercial development, with more than 8,800 square meters of space for retail, dining, personal wellness and entertainment outlets. The center allocates 2,881 square meters of space within the mall for BPO locators, the company said.

Investment pledges drop in Q4, 2016

Foreign investment for the entire 2016 dropped by an annual 10.7% to P219 billion, according to data released by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA). The PSA data further showed that in the fourth quarter alone, investment pledges dropped 9.3% to P125.7 billion. The drop could have been affected by the performance of global markets such as the recovering US and European economies, according to De La Salle University economics profession Mitzie Irene P. Conchada. She said the protectionist policies of US President Donald Trump has triggered concern that foreign investment could slow down in 2017. Conchada added that industries that may be vulnerable this year would be the service sector, particularly the business process outsourcing industry, and the mining industry.

BPOs remain top employer in the Philippines
The business process outsourcing (BPO) sector remains the top-employment sector in the Philippines, accounting for 38% of the country's total workforce, according to data released by JobStreet.com. The study further revealed that the high salary in the country's IT sector will continue to encourage and create a stronger industry workforce. Professionals in the IT sector remain the highest-paid employees in the country, JobStreet.com said. Lawyer Jocelle Batapa-Sigue, executive director of Bacolod-Negros Occidental Federation for Information and Communications Technology said that every year there is an annual estimated two million unfilled positions in the IT sector worldwide. Batapa-Sigue was speaker at the 2017 Institute of Computer Engineers of the Philippines - Negros Island Region Regional Convention.

Alorica pledges more jobs in the US

Global BPO services provider Alorica has pledged to create additional 600 full-time jobs at its facility in High Point, North Carolina. The company currently has 800 full-time positions at the said facility. Alorica spokesman Ken Muchè said it is also hiring at facilities in Kentucky, Indiana, New Mexico and Virginia. The pledge came months after Alorica announced plans to add more than 8,000 employees in the Philippines. Muchè said while its operations primarily handle phone calls, it also handles client emails and social media messages. He envisioned in the near future employees would be handling video chats.

Trade group to launch Innovation Council of Cebu

The Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) is collaborating with the Department of Trade and Industry 7 to launch the Innovation Council of Cebu. This was revealed by CCCI president Melanie Ng in a recent forum at the University of the Philippines Cebu Campus. The council will support the innovation industry of Cebu, she said. Ng added that the Innovation Council of Cebu will be formed in coordination with key players in the medium and small enterprises industry, and Cebu's innovation sector, such as digital markets, web developers and homegrown IT-BPO centers. Ng said further details about the council will be announced soon. The CCCI is holding the annual Cebu Business Month 2017 this June, with the theme "Step Up".

Presidential Comms shifts to 2nd gear -- Andanar

CEBU CITY, March 3 (PNA) -- Presidential Communications Secretary Martin Andanar on Thursday, March 2, announced "revitalizing" changes to be made to his office this week during a meeting with the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas (KBP) at the Golden Prince Hotel.

The Presidential Communications Chief was in Cebu in time for the ASEAN â€" PCOO Roadshow.

"We've been in office for about eight months now. It's about time to shift second gear," Andanar told the new officers and members of the KBP-Cebu Chapter disclosing some courses of action his office is planning to take in the next days.

Andanar plans to "fix" the International Press Center (IPC), whose building was newly renovated, and to revitalize the Philippine News Agency (PNA) as the premiere news wire agency of the country.

“We have about 40 plus reporters, if we combined them all, in Metro Manila. So if you look at the numbers, sheer number of reporters, then you have a very powerful Philippine News Agency. Those who are operating in Mindanao, in the Visayas, and in the provinces of Luzon can maximize the reports that we write for the Philippine News Agency. And that's one way to rejuvenate, revitalize Philippine News Agency," the Andanar said.

Modernization plans for the PNA include a modernized news room, a television, a broadcast, and news cast to be shown on the internet, social media sites, and also a special channel, which will be a sub-channel of PTV when it becomes digital.

"Once a station becomes digital, you have the HD channel, the main channel, then you have sub-channels -- three to four sub-channels. One of those sub-channels will be the Philippine News Agency, one will be the Muslim Lumad TV, and there will also be the tele-radyo, which is the Radyo ng Bayan, that will have a video cast and maybe one more, maybe an agricultural channel if the Department of Agriculture would like to sponsor," Andanar explained.

Andanar is likewise working on having an integrated newsroom, which included People's Television (PTV), Radyo ng Bayan, Philippine Information Agency (PIA), and PNA.

Also within the 2017 PCOO deliverables for the year are the groundbreaking of the Mindanao broadcast hub in Davao, FM1 or the FM station for the youth, PIA kiosks in the domestic and international airport among others, among others.

Meanwhile, Andanar explained the current reorganization of the PCOO.

"I saw it, me and Ernie (Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella), and Special Assistant to the President Bong Go, we saw the wisdom of doing a little reorganization, to which the Content & Messaging, ang head nun si Queenie (PCOO Assistant Secretary Rachel Queenie Dizon-Rodulfo)... So sabi ko, since si Spokes (Abella) is the one talking and he's the one managing the press briefing room, napag-usapan namin na it's just rational for him to lead the content & messaging (aspect)," Andanar disclosed.

Aside from the Content and Messaging Group, Abella will also have oversight function to all contents and messaging aspect of all agencies under the PCOO. Likewise, Abella will now be the spokesperson of not only the President, but latter's alter ego as well, the Cabinet.

Nonetheless, for matters about the agencies under the PCOO that has to do with operations, Andanar assured, he is still the "go-to guy".

Moreover, Andanar is planning to revert back PCOO to its former name as Office of the Press Secretary. He said an executive order had already been drafted, waiting for President Rodrigo Duterte's signature.

"And by the way, once we go back to the Office of the Press Secretary, there is a possibility, God willing, that we can also revitalize the press attachés in other important countries we deal with," the PCOO chief concluded.

Those present during the dinner meeting included Fr. Roberto Ebisa, KBP-Cebu chairman; Jose Maria Lanza, KBP-Cebu executive vice chairman; Atty. Cynthia Barte, KBP-Cebu legal counsel; Atty. Pacheco Seares, executive director of Cebu City Press Council, Atty. Eddie Barrita, bureau chief of PNA; Harold Clavite, PIA Director-General; and Angelo Villar, PIA Deputy Director-General. (PNA)

PNP-CITF nabs 2 Pasig cops in entrapment operation

MANILA, March 2 (PNA) -- The Philippine National Police Counter-Intelligence Task Force (PNP-CITF) has arrested two Pasig City policemen in an entrapment operation on Thursday night.

Arrested were PO3 Higino Dancel and SPO1 Johan Vega, both assigned at the Traffic Division of the Pasig City Police Office.

Chief Insp. Jewel Nicanor said that they received a call on Thursday morning from two complainants who claimed that they were being asked by the two policemen to give money in exchange for the immediate release of traffic incident report they were asking.

The two policemen allegedly asked for the amount reaching Php 10,000 or 10 percent of the Php 100,000 “insurance claim” from the victims.

The PNP-CITF conducted the entrapment operation on Thursday at 6 p.m.

Seized from the desk of Dancel was the “marked money” which proved that he received the money from the victims.

The two arrested policemen are facing robbery-extortion charges. (PNA)

DepEd creates drug-free workplace committee

MANILA, March 2 (PNA) -- The Education Department has formed a drug-free workplace committee to strengthen its anti-illegal drugs programs.

The department said in a memorandum Thursday that the committee will oversee the following: formulation and implementation of anti-drug abuse policy; training and continuing education and awareness program for officers and employees; initiate and adopt value formation, family enhancement and other relevant programs; formulate and set the drug testing program for the department.

The department explained the creation of the committee will complement its existing National Drug Education Program.

The anti-drug program will cover the Central Office, Regional Offices, Schools Division Offices and schools.

The committee will be led by Undersecretary Alberto Muyot as its chairperson and Assistant Secretary Nepomuceno Malaluan as co-chaiperson. (PNA)
BNB/JLD

DOLE resets TIPC meeting next week

MANILA, March 2 (PNA) -- The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has reset the Tripartite Industrial Peace Council (TIPC) meeting next week.

The meeting, which was originally set at 3 p.m. Thursday at the Ople Hall of the DOLE building in Manila has been moved to second week of March.

"We will reset this meeting to early next week," Undersecretary Joel Maglungsod said.

The TIPC, composed of workers, employers and government representatives, serves as the clearinghouse of all labor polices, with the power to endorse proposed issuances to the DOLE chief.

Labor and Employment Secretary Silvestre Bello III supposed to head the meeting. He flew in from Dubai late afternoon.

They were scheduled to discuss the draft of a Department Order, that will help curb contractualization in response to the directive of President Rodrigo Duterte. (PNA)
RMA/FGP/RSM

Customs agents sequester PHP200Mcountefeit apparels in Pasay

MANILA, March 2 (PNA) -- The Bureau of Customs (BOC) confiscated counterfeit apparels and other products with an estimated value of P200-million in simultaneous raids on three buildings located at Cuneta Avenue, Pasay City on Thursday.

Commissioner Nicanor E. Faeldon reported that the busts were part of BOC’s stringent counter-measures against all forms of smuggling of fake products into the country in grave violations of Republic Act (R.A.) No. 8293, otherwise known as the Intellectual Property (IP) Code of the Philippines and RA 10863, otherwise known as the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act of 2016.

“Our relentless campaigns against smuggling of products with faked brand names keep the Philippines out of the notorious list of countries with inadequate protection and enforcement of Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) to date.

“Keeping out from the IP watchlist gives an improved confidence of foreign investors, especially US businesses, on the Philippines as required by the World TradeOrganization’s rule-based trade IP system.

“Furthermore, it underscores effective protection to Filipino consumers,” Faeldon said.

BOC’s official spokesperson Col. Neil Anthony L. Estrella, concurrent director of the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service (CIIS) reported that the raids were conducted in One Logistics Building and in YS Building located along Cuneta Avenue, Pasay City.

Estrella said combined agents of the CIIS and of the Intellectual Property Rights Division (IPRD) supported by local police and barangay officials were armed with Letter of Authority (LOA) numbered 63-01-96-2017 signed by Faeldon on March 1, 2017, in that simultaneous operations.

In One Losgistics Building, at least 21 stalls/doors at 3rd, 5th, and 6th floors were opened and discovered positive to contain counterfeited apparels with brand names: Nike, Adidas, Armou All, Vans, Lacoste, with an estimated value of more or less P100 million.

At YS Building, some 11 stalls/doors were uncovered to stash clothing apparel with brand names: Jag, Wrangler, Under Armour, Superman, NBA, also valued at more or less PHP100 million.

“We conducted these raids to enforce the law and protect Filipino consumers from the bad economic effects of smuggling counterfeit products.

“It is assumed that owners of the smuggled counterfeit apparels and other products have deliberately avoided to pay taxes to the government,” Estrella said.

A certain James Chua, Estrella introduced himself as the owner of YS building that BOC will require to provide documentary evidences of lawful importation of apparels caught stored in his property within 15 days.

“If he and the owners of counterfeit clothing in One Logistics Building will not be able to provide proper documents on said items, the BOC will have no choice but to padlock the stalls/doors and seize all of the questioned products in favor of the government,” He said.

Estrella said that the confiscated smuggled counterfeit apparels will be condemned so it won’t be sold in the market in tight observance of the provisions of the IP code of the Philippines.

IPRD chief lawyer Zsae Carrie De Guzman said her office takes an escalated campaign against piracy and counterfeiting to end lost revenues from it in estimated amount of PHP13.3 billion per year.

“It is the mandate of BOC to run after smugglers of faked brand names, thus, we will keep fighting against it as good business who dutifully pay correct taxes to the government will be protected, aside from our intent to respect for intellectual property rights,” she said. (PNA)
FPV/PR/RSM

Pres. Duterte: Expect more deaths in renewed anti-drug campaign
By Cielito M. Reganit

MANILA, March 2 (PNA) -- President Rodrigo Duterte on Thursday said that more deaths would be expected in the renewed campaign against illegal drugs.

“I am committed to stop drugs. This means there will be more killings because (criminals) really fight back. It won't end tomorrow,” the President said at the Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway groundbreaking ceremony in Cebu.

Duterte reiterated his earlier pronouncements that 6,000 policemen and 40 percent of barangay (village) chieftains are involved in the illegal drugs trade and warned them that the government has set their sights on them.

“You will die. Either you kill me or I kill you,” the President said.

Duterte recently gave permission to Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Ronald dela Rosa to resume the police anti-drug operations on the condition that only policemen with proven integrity would participate in the campaign. (PNA)

China can one day become a leading world economy -- CPPCC official
By Jelly F. Musico

BEIJING, March 3 (PNA) -- An official of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) believes China can become a leading world economy in the future if the country will maintain its progress and political stability.

"As long as progress and stability are maintained, China can one day become a leading world economy in the coming years," CPPCC spokesman Wang Guoqing said at the first press conference of the 5th Session of the CPPCC National Committee held Thursday at the Great Hall of the People.

Wang, also vice chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the CPPCC National Committee, said China’s overall economy is on upward trajectory and steady performance.

Despite sluggish global economy, China posted GDP growth at 6.7 percent year-on-year to 74.41 trillion Yuan (USD10.83 trillion) in 2016.

The number was the country’s slowest growth rate in 26 years but still within the government’s target range of 6.5 to 7 percent and was the highest among major economies in the world.

Wang said China’s economy could be a major driving force to push the world’s economy.

"With impeccable order and discipline playing a vital role in China’s development of its policies, the country continues to enjoy strong impetus and stay in power," he said.

The CPPCC official said China’s Belt and Road Initiative is advancing steadily and bringing investments and jobs to participating countries.

He said more than 100 countries and international organizations have joined the initiative also known as One Belt, One Road proposed by China to build a Silk Road Economic Belt and a 21st Century Maritime Silk Road.

Chinese President Xi Jinping proposed the initiative in 2013 to promote the Silk Road Spirit in the new era to boost interaction and exchanges between civilizations.

Through the Belt and Road Initiative, Wang said 56 economic and trade cooperation zones from 20 countries have benefited from the Belt and Road Initiative, bringing USD18 billion investment, USD1 billion tax revenue and 160,000 jobs.

Wang told the media that the CPPCC is committed to focus on reducing poverty by addressing the income of the farmers.

"The CPPCC is paying attention to this issue by raising the income of the farmers," he said.

In recent lecture 'Understanding Chinese Politics' he conducted to the Asian and African journalists, Renmin University of China (RUC) Prof. Wang Yiwei attributed China's progressive economy to political stability under Communist Party of China (CPC).

"China’s industry production is bigger compared to US, Germany and Japan combined and China is very efficient in eliminating poverty," Wang Yiwei said.

Wang Guoqing, for his part, said China’s 13th Five-Year Plan launched in 2016 has made a good start to make the country’s economic development inclusive.

For 2017, China’s growth target remain unchanged at 6.5 to 7 percent and this will be put into scrutiny during the gathering of the country’s political leaders at the “two sessions” or “lianghui.”

The 5th Session of the 12th National Committee of the CPPCC, China’s top political advisory body, kicked off Friday while the 5th Session of the 12th National People’s Congress (NPC), the top legislature, will start on Sunday.

The two sessions will highlight accomplishments of Chinese President Xi Jinping who is also the secretary general of the CPC Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission.

"President Xi Jinping is the first core leader of China with such titles," RUC Prof. Lu Keli told the journalists of the China African Press Center (CAPC) and China South Asian and Southeast Asian Press Center (CSASEAPC) in separate lecture.

Lu believes that a four-pronged strategy -- moderately prosperous society, all-around in-depth reform, promoting rule of law and strict CPC discipline that has been implemented under Xi leadership placed China as the world's second largest economy next to the United States. (PNA)

Estrada staff, 13 others ordered dismissed from service for PDAF scam

MANILA, March 2 (PNA) -- Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales has ordered the dismissal from the service of 14 respondents in the Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) scam.

This was after they were found guilty of grave misconduct, conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service and dishonesty.

Ordered dismissed were Pauline Therese Mary Labayen (Deputy Chief of Staff, Office of Senator Jose “Jinggoy” Estrada), Antonio Ortiz (Director General, Technology Resource Center), Gondelina Amata (President, National Livelihood Development Corporation), Victor Roman Cacal (Paralegal, National Agribusiness Corporation), Maria Niñez Guañizo (OIC-Accounting Division, NABCOR), Romulo Relevo (General Services Unit head), Ma. Julie Villaralvo-Johnson (Chief Accountant, NABCOR), Rhodora Mendoza (Director, Financial Management Services, NABCOR), Dennis Cunanan (Director General, TRC), Evelyn Sucgang (Director Accounts Management and Development, NLDC), Chita Jalandoni (Department Manager III, NLDC), Emmanuel Alexis Sevidal (Director IV, NLDC), Marivic Jover (Chief Accountant, TRC) and Sofia Cruz (Project Development Assistant IV, NLDC).

The dismissal order carries the accessory penalties of perpetual disqualification from holding public office and forfeiture of all retirement benefits.

In the event of separation from the service, the penalty is convertible to a fine equivalent to respondent’s salary for one year.

Labayen, et al. are also being tried before the Sandiganbayan for their alleged involvement in the anomalous utilization of the 2007 to 2009 PDAF of former Senator Estrada.

Probe found that from 2007 to 2009, a total of PHP480.65 million was taken from Senator Estrada’s PDAF, out of which PHP278 million was coursed through non-government organizations (NGOs) controlled by Janet Lim Napoles.

Napoles is the alleged “brains” behind the PHP10-billion pork barrel and the PHP900-million Malampaya Fund scams.

The PHP278 million was released by the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) through nine Special Allotment Release Orders (SARO).

After the release of the SAROs, Estrada through Labayen, identified the NABCOR, NLDC and TRC as implementing agencies coursed through the Napoles NGOs, namely: Masaganing Ani Para sa Magsasaka Foundation, Inc. and Social Development Program for Farmers Foundation, Inc.

The PHP278-million fund was intended to buy livelihood materials, farm implements, livelihood kits in dressmaking, nail care, pickled fruits and veggies, jewelry-making, soap-making, barbering, silkscreen printing, aromatic candle making, wellness massage, cell phone repair, basic auto repair, food processing, etc.

Estrada allegedly identified the following provinces as project-beneficiaries: Misamis Occidental, Zamboanga Sibugay, Tawi-Tawi, Cotabato, Batangas, Quezon, Pangasinan, Bulacan, Agusan Del Sur, Agusan Del Norte, Laguna, Tuguegarao, and Compostela Valley.

Actual field validation conducted by the Ombudsman found that no deliveries were made to the supposed beneficiaries.

Mayors and municipal agriculturists denied receiving any of the items from the office of Senator Estrada, the implementing agencies or any of the NGOs.

The documents submitted by the NGOs such as disbursement, progress, accomplishment reports, fund utilization reports, delivery and inspection reports were all fabricated.

During the probe, whistleblower Benhur Luy submitted records to show that “Estrada received, through Labayen and Ruby Tuason, total commissions, rebates, or kickbacks amounting to at least PHP183,793,750.00.”

Respondents Labayen, Ortiz and Jalandoni did not submit any counter-affidavit.

The other respondents argued that “the filing of the complaints was premature because the Commission on Audit (COA) had yet to issue notices of disallowances on disbursements drawn from the PDAF.

In its ruling, the Ombudsman said that “administrative proceedings pertaining to a COA disallowance is distinct and separate from a preliminary investigation in a criminal case which have arisen from the same set of facts. Both proceedings may proceed independently of each other.”

The COA observed the NGOs that received the multi-million peso PDAF releases did not have the track record to implement the projects; the selection of the NGOs, as well as the alleged procurement of goods for distribution of beneficiaries did not undergo public bidding; the suppliers denied having dealt with any of the NGOs; and the reported beneficiaries were unknown or could not be located at their given addresses.

“The concerned officials of NABCOR, NLDC and TRC did not even bother to conduct a due diligence audit on the selected NGO and the supplier by the NGO to provide the livelihood kits, which supply was carried out without the benefit of public bidding, in contravention of existing procurement rules and regulations,” Ombudsman Morales said.

Morales added that “in most instances, the disbursement vouchers (DV) were accomplished, signed and approved on the same day. Certainly, the required careful examination of the transaction’s supporting documents could not have taken place if the DV was processed and approved in one day.” (PNA)

Pres. Duterte tells Cebu businessmen: I will get rid of corruption

LAPU-LAPU CITY, Cebu, March 3 (PNA) -- President Rodrigo Duterte on Thursday vowed to pursue a relentless campaign against corruption as he inducted into office the new set of officers of the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) at Waterfront Hotel Mactan here.



In his speech before several Cebuano businessmen, Pres. Duterte again made a promise to weed out corruption in the bureaucracy.



"I am committed really to just give a respite to the Filipinos for the many years of suffering under corrupt almost in succession governments," Duterte said.



"I am not saying that I would be able to erase all but I kept those promises to the barest minimum," he added.


The Chief Executive stressed that corruption has been pulling the country down as well as problems on illegal drugs and criminality, which he also pledged to address during his term.


He said he would not tolerate any form of corruption in his government and he would not hesitate to fire officials in his Cabinet even those who are close to him should they be involved in corruption.


"As I have said to my Cabinet members and to those appointed by me in government, the first whiff of corruption or suggestion, maghiwalay-hiwalay na tayo," he said.



The President again reminded all government agencies about his directive of processing permits in only one month. 



He reiterated that there is no longer room for indolent government officials in government and that people should report about them.


"I'll file a case against you. I will direct the DILG to file corresponding charges, misdemeanor, abuse of authority, whatever," he said.



He added that he would encourage his Cabinet officials to address pressing problems in their agencies immediately and not resort to procrastination.



"Hindi ako nagbibilang ng buwan dito. Madali lang ang panahon. Six years is just too short to (get all things done)," he said.



The President also asked support from the chamber saying that he could not solve the country's problems without the help of the private sector.


The newly elected officers were led by Melanie Ng, executive vice president of Ng Khai Development Corporation, who was reelected to her post as president leading one of Cebu's largest organization of businessmen until 2018. 


In her opening statement, Ng pledged to help the administration with its various advocacies towards achieving inclusive growth.


"It is the thrust of the chamber to bring business to the next level. We can only do this if private sector collaborates actively with government," she said.



Other members who took oath before the President were Antonio Chiu, vice president, Finance and Administration; Teodoro Locson Jr., vice president, External Affairs and Relations; Virgilio Espeleta, vice president, Business Development; Christian Paroan, vice president, Membership Development; Ronald Po, treasurer; Atty. Tomas Riveral, secretary; Jimmy Chua, assistant treasurer; Francis Dy, assistant secretary; and Charles Kenneth Co, chairman of Cebu Business Month 2017.


The President also inducted into office the members of the Board of Trustees including world renowned industrial designer Kenneth Cobonpue, Enrison Benedicto, Edward Vincent Onglatco, Robinson Uy, Benjamin Avila, Edwin Ortiz, Dionisio Miranda, Manuel Pages, Benedict Que, Rey Maximo Eleccion, Robert Go, Chad Rodolfo Miel, and May Elizabeth Ybañez.



Founded in 1903, CCCI is a non-stock, non-profit organization of businessmen, merchants, professionals and entrepreneurs based in Cebu and the nearby provinces.


The chamber's mission is to strengthen the capabilities of its members through advocacy, linkages and synergy moving towards global competitiveness of Cebu and its people. (PNA)
JMC/PND/EDS

4th leg of ASEAN-PCOO Roadshow kicks off in Cebu
By Cielito M. Reganit

CEBU CITY, March 3 (PNA) -- Presidential Communications Secretary Martin Andanar, together with other officials, on Friday led the 4th leg of the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO)-ASEAN roadshow in Cebu City as part of the efforts to inform more people at the grassroots about the Association of Southeast Asian Nation (ASEAN) and other government programs.

According to Andanar, who is also Cebuano speaking, the roadshow aims to explain to every Cebuanos, particularly those living in the remote areas, the importance of hosting the ASEAN Summit this year.

He also stressed it is important that every Filipino should be educated in the simplest language the benefits that we can get from ASEAN, as a country and as an individual.

Andanar will also tackle the benefits every Filipino college graduate will get in the ASEAN integration program.

Meanwhile, PCOO Assistant Secretary Kristian Ablan will focus on the implementation of the Freedom of Information (FOI) in the executive branch under the Duterte administration.

Undersecretary Joel Egco of the Presidential Task Force on Media Security will lay down the program of the Duterte government in protecting journalists. (PNA)

Isolated rainshowers over PHL on Friday due to northeast monsoon, easterlies

MANILA, March 3 (PNA) -- Isolated rainshowers will continue to prevail over most parts of the archipelago due to the easterlies and the northeast monsoon affecting the country, state weather agency Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said Friday.

In its 24-hour forecast, PAGASA said Mindanao will experience cloudy skies with light to moderate rains and isolated thunderstorms.

Cloudy skies with light rains may prevail over Cagayan Valley, Cordillera, Aurora province and Ilocos region.

Metro Manila and the rest of the country will have partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rainshowers or thunderstorms.

Moderate to strong winds blowing from northeast will prevail over Luzon, and its coastal waters will be moderate to rough.

The state weather agency also said winds will be light to moderate coming from northeast with slight to moderate seas. (PNA)

DILG urges LGU execs' participation in "i-City Summit"

MANILA, March 2 (PNA) -- The Department of Interior and Local Government has urged local chief executives and their IT officers to participate in the “i-City Summit for a Safer and Better Connected Philippines”, which will be held from March 13-14 at the EDSA Shangri-la Hotel.

”Local chief executives and their respective IT officer or information officer are invited to attend the activity,” the department said in a memorandum issued Thursday.

It noted that seats are limited and the first-come, first served rule will apply.

Technological firm Huawei Technologies Philippines Inc. will host the event, with the assistance of the Department of Interior Local Government and Department of Information and Communications Technology.

The summit aims to provide opportunities to develop the information superhighway of the country, which will help it to become “a global competitor in the digital economy.”

It will feature the latest technology, products and services, including policies and standards, which will assist in building a better and safer digital nation. (PNA)

New marksman rifles in the pipeline for Philippine Army

MANILA, March 3 (PNA) -- Additional long-range marksman rifles are in the pipeline for special units of the Philippine Army (PA).

This was confirmed by Army spokesperson Col. Benjamin Hao in an interview with the Philippine News Agency (PNA).

He declined to give the specific number of long-range markman rifles that are to be acquired but stressed it will be sufficient for all PA special units.

"We can't say (the exact number) as they are still undergoing study and the procurement process," Hao added.

The Army spokesperson disclosed that these new rifles will augment the Barrett sniper rifles that are in use.

Long-range marksman rifles provide Army units with the capability to neutralize terrorists or lawless threats at a distance beyond the range of the standard M-16 or M-4 rifles being used by Filipino military personnel.

These weapons are capable of engaging targets 800 meters to 5 km.(PNA)

Faith Pleases God

But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. Hebrews 11:6

Your relationship with God is largely determined by your faith. When you come to Him, you must believe that He exists and that He is exactly who He has revealed Himself to be in Scriptures. You must also believe that He will respond to you when you earnestly seek Him. Without this kind of faith, you cannot please God. Regardless of the morality of your life, the good works you perform, the words you speak, or the sacrifices you make for His sake, if you do not have faith, you will not please Him. It can be tempting to substitute religious activity for faith in God. Christians may claim they are being “good stewards” of their resources when, in fact, they are wanting to walk by sight rather than by faith (Heb. 11:1). They may refuse to do what God tells them unless they can see all the resources in place first. You may say, “I love God, but I just have difficulty trusting Him.” Then you are not pleasing to Him. You cannot struggle at the core of your relationship with God and still enjoy a vibrant fellowship with Him! Faith does not eliminate problems. Faith keeps you in a trusting relationship with God in the midst of your problems. Faith has to do with your relationship with God, not your circumstances. Some may say, “I’m not much of a person of faith. I am more of a practical person!” Yet you will never do anything more practical than to place your trust in the Lord! Nothing is more secure or certain than that which you entrust to God.Henry and Richard Blackaby

Criminals have no humanity -- Pres. Duterte

MANILA, March 2 (PNA) -- Pres. Rodrigo Duterte on Thursday said that criminals have no humanity.

The President made the statement during an interview in Cebu in response to a report by Human Rights Watch (HRW) which said that drug-related killings may be considered crimes against humanity.

“If you kill criminals, it is not a crime against humanity. The criminals have no humanity,” Duterte said after the groundbreaking ceremony for the Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway.

He likewise said those who were killed in legitimate government operations were the ones who fought back against law enforcers.

However, those killed outside of police operations are not the handiwork of the government.

“Lahat naman sila lumaban. ‘Yung hindi lumaban sa gobyerno, hindi amin ‘yun. Baka pari ang kalaban nila,” Duterte said.

The President reiterated that he would answer for law enforcers who killed drug suspects during legitimate encounters.

“Yung namatay during encounters, of course I answer for them. I hold myself legally responsible. Huwag ninyong idemanda ‘yung pulis pati sundalo kasi inutos ko lang ‘yan sa kanila,” Duterte said. (PNA)

MIAA celebrates 35th anniversary this month

MANILA, March 2 (PNA) -- The Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) celebrates its 35th founding anniversary this March and has lined up some activities to mark this milestone.

On Friday (March 3), a walk for a cause will be led by MIAA General Manager Ed Monreal along with other officials.

The walk aims to raise funds for MIAA employees with debilitating illnesses that need continuing medical support.

Registration fee is PHP150, and assembly time at the MIAA admin grounds is at 4 a.m.

Other officials invited to join the walk are Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) Director General Jim Sydiongco, Deputy Director General Skee Tamayo, NAIA District Collector Ed Macabeo and PNP-Aviation security Director Robert Quenery.

Also at the MIAA admin grounds, a mass will be held at 5 p.m. and a "big night" (concert) is scheduled at 7 p.m.

On March 6 (Monday), a month-long bazaar will be opened at 9 a.m.

On Tuesday, a blood donation drive is slated from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the 2nd floor of ASTI Training Room, ICT Building. (PNA)

LP senators in 'no rush' to pass death penalty bill in Senate

MANILA, March 2 (PNA) -- Some senators belonging to the Liberal Party (LP) on Thursday said they are in “no rush” to pass the death penalty bill in the Senate, unlike the House of Representatives.

Sen. Paolo Benigno Aquino IV, one of the LP senators against the revival of death penalty, said the Senate will allow the proper legislative process to run its course on the proposal to restore the capital punishment.

"We will not allow it to be rushed. We must ensure that proper debate on the matter be conducted," Aquino IV, newly designated Deputy Minority Leader, said.

He also urged senators must reveal their respective votes on the proposal to ensure accountability and transparency.

"We will not allow votes to be anonymous or hidden and we will ensure accountability among our colleagues," Aquino added.

Aquino earlier assured that the new Minority will actively participate in debates once the proposal reaches the plenary.

LP senators cut ties with the majority bloc and transferred to the minority after being stripped of leadership positions and chairmanships.

The new Minority now has six members namely Senators Aquino, Leila de Lima, Franklin Drilon, Risa Hontiveros and Francis Pangilinan.

Hontiveros, echoed Aquino, noting that the recent Senate reorganization has not reorganized the position of LP senators against death penalty.

Hontiveros belongs to the Akbayan Partylist but ran under the LP-led senatorial ticket last May 2016 elections.

She, meanwhile, expressed hope that her colleagues in the Senate can “cross party lines” to prevent the measure from being rushed.

LP acting president Sen. Francis Pangilinan was also firm against death penalty noting that it “does not work” and that it “victimizes the poor and powerless.”

On Wednesday night, the House approved on second reading the contentious measure restoring the death penalty.

It was passed via viva voce or through loud voices voting House Bill No. 4727, or an act imposing the death penalty on certain heinous crimes.

The bill seeks to repeal Republic Act 9346 that prohibits the imposition of death penalty in the Philippines. It also seeks to further amend the Revised Penal Code and the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

The House leadership is targeting to pass the bill on third and final reading on March 7, before the lower chamber goes into a congressional recess. (PNA)
JBP/ANP

PNP to HRW: Show proof police behind EJKs

MANILA, March 2 (PNA) -- The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Thursday challenged the Human Rights Watch (HRW) to show proof on their claim that police are behind extra-judicial killings (EJKs).

”Kung talagang may ebidensya na magpapatunay na may maling ginawa ang aming miyembro, pasagutin po natin 'yon. Hayaang makasuhan,” PNP Public Information Office (PIO) chief and spokesman Senior Supt. Dionardo Carlos said in a press conference in Camp Crame, Quezon City.

”Let's throw the book at these people if they committed a mistake,” Carlos said.

Carlos added that if the HRW can show such a proof, then file a case against the erring PNP member.

”If violators continue to violate RA 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002), what are we going to do? We are mandated by law to stop them from violating,” Carlos said.

”Do not generalize from 24 cases of suspected EJKs. We have 48,000 people arrested alive. Ito ay resulta ng ating kampanya kontra droga (This is the result of our campaign against drugs),” he added.

On the HRW’s claim that police are committing crime against humanity, Carlos said, “What are they saying? Not all 7,000 deaths recorded by rights groups are drug-related.”

”In drug war, we don't want 2,500 people killed in operations but Hindi namin ititigil yung mandato na magpatupad ng batas (we have to live to continue our mandate),” he added.

The PNP official also assured cooperation with other probe bodies.

”The chief PNP (Director General Ronald ‘Bato” Dela Rosa) said we are open. Other investigating bodies can do their investigation. Makikipagtulungan kami (We will cooperate),” Carlos said.

”Ang hinihiling lang po namin (What we are asking), be specific. Let's look at each case kung ano ang tatayo at hindi natin sasabihin na (which will stand and we’ll not say that), at 24, this is now a crime against humanity,” he added. (PNA)

DOJ issues lookout order vs QC road rage suspect
By Christopher Lloyd T. Caliwan

MANILA, March 2 (PNA) -- The Department of Justice (DOJ) ordered the issuance of an immigration lookout bulleting order (ILBO) against Fredison Atienza, the suspect in a road rage incident in Quezon City, who remains at large despite efforts of the authorities to locate him.

In a memorandum dated March 1, DOJ Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II ordered Immigration Commissioner Jaime Morente to instruct all immigration officers in the country’s airports and seaports to be on the lookout for Atienza whom authorities tagged as the suspect in the killing of Anthony Mendoza following a traffic brawl on Saturday at the corner of D. Tuazon and Quezon Avenue.

“In order not to defeat the ongoing investigation by the Quezon City Police Department, you are hereby directed to include Mr. Fredison Atienza in the Immigration Look-out Bulletin Order, disseminate the information, instruct all immigration officers to be on the lookout/alert for the above-named individual should he pass through the immigration counters in any of our international airports and seaports,” Aguirre said.

“You are further directed to promptly relay to the Office of the Secretary of such information,” he added.

The DOJ chief warned immigration officers not to wait until boarding time of the subject individual to inform his office or the prosecutor general of any attempt to leave the country.

“Take all other appropriate actions including, but not limited to, coordinating with other concerned offices and agencies and even airlines, especially since international passengers are customarily required to check-in within a specified number of hours before the flight," he added.

A ILBO is different from a court-issued hold departure order (HDO) since the former only directs the Bureau of Immigration to be on the lookout for the subject and to verify the status of a case against the subject person and not to restrict an individual from leaving the country.

But a person subject to the ILBO should seek an Allow Departure Order (ADO) from the DOJ chief itself to be allowed to leave.

Earlier, Quezon City police chief, Chief Supt. Guillermo Eleazar earlier said they have received surrender feelers from Atienza.

Eleazar said, a certain Alfamil Yap, a friend of suspect Fredison Atienza a.k.a. Sonson, turned-over the vehicle to CIDU investigators before 5 p.m. on Tuesday.

CIDU Chief, PSUpt Rodelio Marcelo said Yap surrendered the vehicle upon the advice of a lawyer.

Michael Mendoza, the victim’s brother who witnessed the shooting, positively identified the surrendered Toyota Land Cruiser as the same vehicle which the suspect was driving when the shooting incident occurred. (PNA)

House panel OKs bill for reparations board flexibility
By Filane Mikee Cervantes

MANILA, March 2 (PNA) -- A House of Representatives' panel has approved a bill that seeks to give the Human Rights Victims' Claims Board (HRVCB) more flexibility to complete its reparation process for victims of human rights abuses during Martial Law.

The House committee on Human Rights approved House Bill 4574, authored by Quezon City Rep. Jose Christopher Belmonte.

The bill seeks to amend Republic Act 10368 or the “Human Rights Victims Reparation and Recognition Act of 2013”.

Vice committee chair Amin Partylist Rep. Sitti Djalia Turabin-Hataman said HB 4574 was a priority bill since the claims board had only until 2018 to perform its mandate.

Sorsogon Rep. Evelina Escudero, who sponsored the bill during the hearing, cited the need to further amend RA 10368 to give the HRVCB more flexibility in fulfilling its mandate, especially with over 75,000 applications from victims of human rights violations during former President Marcos’ regime.

“RA 10766 was enacted to extend the Board’s existence until 2018. However, to maximize and ensure the effectiveness of the HRVCB, certain measures still need to be improved,” said Escudero.

The proposed amendments include an increase in the claims board's yearly appropriations and the budget ceiling to boost its capacity to adjudicate and perform its functions effectively; and the reduction of a mandatory publication of an original list of eligible claimants, from three times to just once, which is expected to hasten reparation.

"It is well within the mandate of the legislative to enact laws that will encourage utmost productivity, effectiveness and efficiency of our lead agency, and through these amendments to RA 10368, we will be able to accomplish such things,” said Escudero.

Under the bill, the HRVCB may hire additional contractual employees or contract a service provider since the currently law provides a 15 percentage ceiling in contracting additional contractual employees of the Board.

Belmonte said this limited the capacity of the HRVCB to adjudicate all the applications and to perform its other necessary administrative and operational functions.

The bill also provides that the operating budget of the Board shall be funded from the interest of the Php 10 billion fund, with Php 10 million as its initial operating budget.

The HRVCB has a yearly appropriation of not exceeding Php 50 million, but Belmonte said this allocation exposed the Board to the risk of deficit spending in the future.

During the hearing, HRVCB Chairperson Lina Sarmiento around 4,000 cases have been adjudicated out of the 75,000 claimants.

Sarmiento said unexpected huge turnout of claimants and the stringent evaluation and adjudication process set under its implementing rules and regulations (IRR) slowed down the Board's progress.

She, however, expressed optimism the Board will be able to fulfill its mandate on time with the passage of the bill. (PNA)

Ransom not paid for Kantner release -- DND
By Priam F. Nepomuceno

MANILA, March 2 (PNA) -- The Department of National Defense (DND) said there are no indication that ransom was paid at the last minute to stem the execution of German captive, Juergen Kantner, by Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) bandits last Feb. 26.

"Not to our knowledge, the German government and Philippine government understand each other that we have a firm no ransom policy as far as we are concerned," said DND public affairs office chief Arsenio Andolong in a briefing Thursday.

And this includes third party negotiators, he added.

Andolong said that as of last count, the ASG are holding 31 hostages and this can be broken down into 12 Vietnamese, six Filipinos, one Dutch, seven Indonesians and five Malaysians.

The ASG earlier said it will behead Kantner if their PHP30 million ransom are not paid before 3 p.m. of Feb. 26.

Kantner was kidnapped by the ASG bandits while his yacht "Rockall" was cruising off Sulu waters last November.

His companion, 56-year-old Sabine Mertz, was shot and killed by the bandits and allegedly raped.

And when asked about the possibility of recovering Kantner's remains, Andolong said it is very likely that the ASG are holding into them as they were forced into constantly retreating by pursuing military units.

Earlier, DND Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said the Philippines will go after the ASG with the full force of the law and the country's military might.

"We extend our most heartfelt sympathies to the family and loved ones of Mr. Kantner. We cannot even begin to imagine the anguish and grief they are now through. What we can assure them and the whole world is that we are going after these animals with the full force of the law make no mistake they will feel the wrath of the entire Filipino nation through the might of its Armed Forces," he said. (PNA)

Jee kidnap-slay case respondents given until March 10 to submit counter affidavits
By Christopher Lloyd T. Caliwan

MANILA, March 2 (PNA) -- The Department of Justice (DoJ) extended the filing of counter affidavits of some respondents in the reinvestigation of the kidnap-slay case of South Korean businessman Jee Ick Joo.

During Thursday’s resumption of the hearing, the DOJ panel composed of Senior Assistant State Prosecutors Juan Pedro Navera and Olivia Torrevillas, who handle the re-investigation on the kidnapping for ransom and serious illegal detention with homicide case directed the three National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) officials who were implicated in the Jee Ick Joo kidnap-slay case to submit their counter affidavits on March 10.

“They have until March 10 at 2 p.m. to submit their counter affidavits,” the panel told former Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board chairman Winston Ginez who is now serving as the legal counsel of former NBI deputy director for investigation services Jose "Jojo" Yap, former NBI-National Capital Region director Ricardo Diaz and former NBI-Task Force against Illegal Drugs head Roel Bolivar.

The three did not attend Thursday’s proceeding at the DOJ.

Ginez was also given a copy of the statement of former PNP Anti-Illegal Drugs Group-Pampanga (AIDG) head Superintendent Rafael Dumlao III, the alleged mastermind of the kidnap-slay.

Dumlao earlier implicated the three NBI officials in the case.

The former Pampanga PNP-AKG chief also subscribed to his affidavit but told the panel he will be still file a counter-affidavit.

The panel then directed Dumlao to submit his counter-affidavit on or before March 7.

The other new respondents - Gream funeral employees Epephany Gotera, Teodolito Macato Tarepe, Kevin Enriquez, Robert John Tobias and Bernardo Maraya - are also ordered to submit answers on March 7.

Except for the three NBI officials, all the other respondents-Dumlao, SPO3 Ricky Sta. Isabel, who was tagged as the prime suspect in the case, SPO4 Roy Villegas, Gerardo Santiago, owner of the Gream funeral parlor, Jerry Omlang, and Ramon Yalung attended the hearing.

During the hearing, Sta.Isabel , Yalung, subscribed to their affidavits while Santiago and Villegas adopted the affidavit they executed.

To recall, the Jan. 17 resolution penned by Torrevillas only named three accused in the kidnapping for ransom with homicide case: Sta. Isabel, Villegas and Yalung while other suspects tagged in the case were identified only through aliases "Pulis," "Ding," "Jerry," and "Sir Dumlao."

The resolution was received by the Pampanga Regional Trial Court Branch 58. The local court granted primary suspect Sta. Isabel's request for reinvestigation.

RTC Judge Pangilinan gave the DOJ 60 days "to conduct the reinvestigation and to submit the resolution."

The court also reset the arraignment of the accused to April 19. (PNA)

Sandiganbayan sets Genuino's arraignment for perjury charges on April 25, 2017
By Perfecto T. Raymundo

MANILA, March 2 (PNA) -- The Sandiganbayan has found probable cause to proceed with the trial of former Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (PAGCOR) chair Efraim Genuino for the perjury charges filed against him by the Office of the Ombudsman (Ombudsman).

In a 21-page resolution promulgated on March 1, 2017, the Sandiganbayan Third Division dismissed Genuino’s claim that the evidence submitted to the Ombudsman and the Sandiganbayan does not make liable for perjury.

“A finding of probable cause needs only to rest on evidence showing that, more likely than not, a crime has been committed and that it was committed by the accused,” the resolution said.

The Sandiganbayan said that the issues raised by Genuino “are matters of defense which are best ventilated and passed upon during the trial of the case.”

Likewise, the Sandiganbayan disagreed with the argument of Genuino that the Ombudsman violated his right to due process and speedy disposition of case.

Genuino argued that it took the Ombudsman almost four years before they were able to file the case before the Sandiganbayan.

However, the Sandiganbayan said that it did not find anything in their records suggesting that there was a deliberate delay in the case on the part of the Ombudsman.

“There is nothing in the record of these cases which suggests, even faintly, that the attendant delay was deliberately employed by the prosecution in order to hamper or prejudice the defense of the accused-movant or to gain some tactical advantage over him,” the Sandiganbayan said.

Genuino is facing four counts of perjury for allegedly failing to disclose properties under his and his wife’s name in his Statements of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth (SALN) from 2002 to 2005, when he was still with the PAGCOR.

In its complaint, the Ombudsman alleged that Genuino undervalued his assets by leaving out information about some of his properties even as he upheld its contents under oath.

The properties which the former PAGCOR chief omitted in his SALN were four lots in Makati City, one lot in Muntinlupa City and another two lots in Laguna province.

The Sandiganbayan set the arraignment of Genuino on April 25, 2017.

Likewise, Genuino is also facing trial for the graft cases filed against him over the alleged anomalous release of Php HP37 million funds for the training of swimmers competing in the 2012 Olympics. (PNA)

Solon slams railroading of death penalty bill

MANILA, March 2 (PNA) -- Albay Rep. Edcel Lagman on Thursday slammed the alleged "railroading" of the death penalty bill which has already hurdled second reading at the House of Representatives.

"The irony of the unconscionable railroading on second reading of the death penalty bill is that the very congressional leaders who insist that the death penalty is essential for people to stop breaking the law are the very ones who violate with impunity established rules and honored traditions of the House of Representatives," Lagman said in a statement.

Lagman said the House has mutated into a "parliament of bullies and puppets" after the contentious measure breezed through the lower chamber with the "precipitate termination" of the period of debates and amendments.

He also criticized the House leaders for "depriving" anti-death penalty lawmakers of their right to debate, which he said is the very essence of a legislature.

"The proceedings lacked transparency and accountability as most members of the supermajority voted on the cue of the majority leader and sought anonymity in the viva voce voting, even as the presiding officer was a mere pathetic adjunct of the House leadership," Lagman said.

Majority Leader Rodolfo Fariñas, for his part, said it was high time for the majority to "stand up to the bullying tactics of a few members".

Fariñas argued that the anti-death penalty lawmakers have been frustrating the will of the majority.

"The House of Representatives exists to represent our people. The people want the death penalty reimposed as expressed thru their representatives in our caucuses and shown by them in our sessions, but a minor group against it has been bullying the majority from expressing its will," Fariñas said.

Fariñas said the solons opposing the death penalty stalled the proceedings of the House by constantly questioning the quorum.

"How many times did they prevent themselves from supposedly expressing their views by questioning the quorum themselves? They would not want to proceed with their interpellations if the majority of the members was not present to listen to them," Fariñas said.

The amendments proposed by Lagman to delete the penalty of death in the bill also drew the ire of the House leader.

"Yet, we all saw how those against bullied the majority by introducing amendments that were outrightly unacceptable since they were irreconcilable with the death penalty. After such were rejected, they would appeal it to the Body and demand nominal voting on every question," Fariñas added.

Through viva voce, the lower chamber passed on second reading on Wednesday House Bill No. 4727, or an act imposing the death penalty on certain heinous crimes.

The bill seeks to repeal Republic Act 9346 that prohibits the imposition of death penalty in the Philippines. It also seeks to further amend the Revised Penal Code and the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

Under the bill, the mode of capital punishment could either be through hanging, by firing squad or lethal injection.

The new version of the bill limits the crimes punishable by death to only drug-related offenses in a bid to strengthen the Duterte administration’s relentless war on drugs.

The substitute bill delists the crimes of plunder, rape, and treason from its coverage. (PNA)
JBP/FILANE MIKEE CERVANTES

QC court orders DBM to release PAO retirees' benefits

MANILA, March 2 (PNA) -- A Quezon City court granted the petition filed by retired Public Attorney Office (PAO) employees questioning the move of the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) in the previous administration to withhold the release of their benefits.

In a 42-page decision issued by Quezon City RTC Branch 230 Judge Maria Gilda Loja-Pangilinan, the court declared null and void DBM Legal Services Opinion No. 14, dated November 6 2015, issued by its head and respondent Rowena Candice M. Ruiz, for having been issued with grave abuse of discretion amounting to lack or excess of jurisdiction.

“After honorably serving office for a great number of years, public servants, as herein Petitioners PAO retirees, should comfortably enjoy their retirement in the relative security of a regular monthly pension and should not be denied benefit and left without means of sustenance,” the decision read.

“A perceived ambiguity or uncertainty in the application of the law should not serve to deny them such recognition and reward,” it added.

The QC RTC pointed out that based on the PAO Law, retired government lawyers are entitled to the same retirement privileges as those of their counterparts in the National Prosecution Service and that reference shall be made on the retirement benefits of the prosecutors in the National Prosecution Service presently governed by the NAPROSS Law.

"Respondent DBM (which) is hereby Directed to cause the Immediate Release of the retirement benefits of herein petitioners PAO retirees in accordance with DBM and GSIS Joint Circular No. 2013-1 and Budget Circular No. 2013-1, in relation to the PAO Law and NAPROSS (National Prosecution Service) law."

The petition was filed in June last year by retired PAO lawyers led by Elpidio Bacuyag, who are now senior citizen.

The PAO retirees added that most of them are already ailing and that two of their members had already passed away.

The PAO retirees cried foul with the actions of former DBM Secretary Florencio Abad in blocking their benefits which is mandated by law. PAO is insisting that under their new law, they shall receive the equal benefits which the prosecutors are receiving under the National Prosecution Service.

The petitioners argued that the GSIS Retirement and Life Insurance Premium government share for the qualified public attorneys (Public Attorney II and higher) will remain at 3 percent.

For her part, PAO Chief Atty. Persida Rueda-Acosta lauded the victory of the public defenders in the country following the court's decision. (PNA)
BNB/CLTC

Philippines to host international conference on translation in September 2017

MANILA, March 2 (PNA) -- The Philippines in September will host an international conference on translation and translation studies to discuss best practices worldwide and potential collaboration in the region.

Non-governmental organization Filipinas Institute of Translation (FIT) will collaborate with the Komisyon sa Wikang Filipino and the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) in holding the “2017 Salinan International Conference: Translation and Translation Studies in Local and Global Contexts” on Sept. 28-30 at the Ateneo de Manila University.

FIT officer-in-charge and president, Michael Coroza, who is also the conference director, said the event aims to raise awareness on translation, which is hampered by a lack of a regulatory body that would set standards for translators.

“Although we are a country with diverse languages, translation and translation studies remain to be an underappreciated field in the Philippines. The country lacks a national agenda in the field of translation, let alone systematic study and criticism of the area. This lack of attention has made it difficult for schools, educators and the public sector to transfer various forms of knowledge,” NCCA chairman Virgilio Almario has said.

Coroza also pointed out that excellent translators are sure to earn from their craft, noting that government-certified translators in Canada earn as much as USD10,000.

The conference will feature experts in translation, among them Lawrence Venuti from the United States, Luise von Flotow from Canada, and Almario from the Philippines. Other speakers from Italy, India, Hongkong and the Philippines will also take part in the event.

“The global conference will pave the way for the Philippines to be known in the international scene as a key player in the development of translation practice. This is a unique opportunity for educators and translation practitioners to come together to learn from country case studies and best practices globally, and eventually to formulate a strategy for the development of the field in the country,” Coroza added. (PNA)

Switzerland pushes for early ratification of PHL- EFTA FTA

MANILA, March 2 (PNA) â€"- Switzerland is looking forward to the immediate ratification of the Philippines- European Free Trade Association (EFTA) Free Trade Agreement (FTA).

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said Thursday Swiss Federal Councilor and Foreign Minister Didier Burkhalter, during his meeting with Foreign Affairs Secretary Perfecto Yasay Jr. recently, said the agreement, which was signed in Bern on April 28, 2016, need to be enforced to improve trade relations between the two countries.

Aside from Switzerland, other European countries signatory to the free trade were Iceland, Liechttenstein and Norway

As a broad-based agreement, the FTA covers trade in goods, trade in services, investment, competition, of intellectual property rights, government procurement, and trade and sustainable development.

in the area of trade in goods, EFTA abolishes all custom duties on industrial products whereas the Philippines will gradually lower or abolish its duties on the vast majority of such product.

DFA also said Yasay, Jr. and Burkhalter reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthen and enhance bilateral relations between the Philippines and Switzerland in light of the 60th anniversary of the two countries’ diplomatic relations this year.

Secretary Yasay thanked Switzerland for supporting the peace process in the Philippines.

He added that one of the key reasons for President Duterte’s desire to transition into a federal form of government is to address the Muslim issue of self-governance.

Yasay invited Foreign Minister Burkhalter to share Switzerland’s experience in federalism who, in turn, expressed readiness to support the Philippines, the DDFA said.

He congratulated the Philippines on its chairmanship of ASEAN and said that Switzerland is willing to cooperate with ASEAN on human security and vocational-technical education and training.

On the issue of President Duterte’s anti-drug campaign, Secretary Yasay explained that the government’s war on drugs is part of the key initiative towards achieving economic development.

He stressed that the Philippines remains committed to upholding the rule of law in its fight against drugs.

Foreign Minister Burkhalter inquired if it would be helpful to share experiences on drug policies with the Philippines and expressed his country’s readiness to support the latter. He stressed that his offer is not to moralize but simply to engage in a dialogue and exchange of views on drug policies.

The DFA said the bilateral meeting served as an occasion to reaffirm the two countries’ willingness to deepen partnership, especially in light of the celebration of the 60th anniversary of the two countries’ diplomatic relations this year. (PNA)

Plaridel By-Pass Road Phase 2 to be completed by June -- DPWH

MANILA, March 2 (PNA) -- The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) said that the Package 3 of the Plaridel Bypass Road Phase II, is set to be finished by June.

According to DPWH Mark Villar, as of Jan. 30, 2017, Package 3 of the bypass road is 86.16 percent complete.

"The Plaridel Bypass Road is an arterial road of 24.61 km that will link the NLEX in Balagtas, Bulacan with the Maharlika Highway in San Rafael, Bulacan,” he said in a statement.

He added, "We will maintain 24/7 operations in the area to meet our project deadline. We will continue to do so until the project is completed."

The project will reduce travel time by about 45 to 50 mins and will divert about 15,000 vehicles from existing road networks. Travel distance will also be shortened by about 5 kilometers.

"It will bypass the town proper of Plaridel and urban areas of Pulilan and Baliuag along the existing Maharlika Highway, to alleviate the perennial traffic congestion at the core urban areas along the Philippine-Japan Friendship Highway road section from Plaridel to San Rafael, Bulacan," Villar said.

The DPWH chief noted that the public will have full access to the entire project by July 2018.

The Plaridel Bypass Road starts at Barangay Borol in Balagtas along the North Expressway and will connect the Maharlika Highway in Barangay Maasim, San Rafael, Bulacan.

It bypasses the vast agricultural lands of five municipalities in Bulacan namely Balagtas, Guiguinto, Plaridel, Bustos and San Rafael.

When completed, the bypass would include the construction of 11 bridges, 2 interchanges, 5 overpasses, and 1 intersection. The project includes the construction of two service roads, one each side along the Toll Road, along section Burol to Angat River. (PNA)

5 ASG terrorists killed, 11 troopers hurt in latest Sulu clash
By Priam F. Nepomuceno

MANILA, March 2 (PNA) -- Five Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) terrorists were reported killed while 11 soldiers were slightly wounded by shrapnel during encounter in Sulu Wednesday afternoon.

The incident took place 5:15 p.m., said Western Mindanao Command (WMC) spokesperson Capt. Jo-ann Petinglay on Thursday.

The clash stemmed from ongoing focused military operations against the bandit group in Indanan town, of the said province.

Heavy fighting took place when troopers from the 2nd Scout Ranger Battalion flushed an undetermined number of ASG terrorists.

In the encounter, five bandits were killed and undetermined number wounded while 11 soldiers were slightly wounded by shrapnel.

Petinglay said all the wounded soldiers were promptly evacuated to Kuta Heneral Teodulfo Bautista Hospital and were immediately given medical attention.

"The Joint Task Force Sulu continues to intensify the conduct of offensives against the Abu Sayyaf to neutralize the bandits and ensure the safe rescue of the remaining hostages. All measures are being undertaken in accordance with the rules of engagement and with the support from the local government and the populace,” said WMC commander Major General Carlito G. Galvez, Jr. (PNA)

Celebrating 'Australia in Davao'

MANILA, March 2 (PNA) -- Australian Ambassador Amanda Gorely is in Davao City to lead the launch of “Australia in Davao” promotions.

The Australian Embassy collaborated with partners in Davao to offer a series of events to celebrate the longstanding partnership with Mindanao, and with the city of Davao.

“Over the years, Mindanao has been one of the priorities of our development cooperation in the Philippines. We continue to support programs in education, livelihood, peace and stability. Given the economic growth of Mindanao, we see opportunities to expand our bilateral engagement in other key areas such as trade and investment,” Ambassador Gorely said.

Trade ties between Australia and the Philippines are valued at approximately AU.982 billion per annum. More than 280 Australian companies have an established presence in the Philippines and have created 40,000 jobs.

The total size of the Australian investment in the country is estimated at AU billion covering a multitude of sectors and contributing to knowledge sharing and economic growth.

The Australian Embassy has partnered with the Davao Business Chamber to host a Business Lunch Forum to increase business engagement between Mindanao and Australia.

Ambassador Gorely, together with Australian Senior Trade & Investment Commissioner Elodie Journet will be keynote speakers at the event.

The Australian Trade & Investment Commission (Austrade) will conduct an Australian Food and Wine Appreciation Class for students of the Institute of International Culinary and Hospitality Entrepreneurship (IChef). Dairy Australia scholars, as well as representatives from Meat and Livestock Australia and food importers will be on hand to share their knowledge and expertise about Australian fresh produce, dairy, red meat and wine.

IChef has worked with Workskills Australia to offer training programs suitable for an Australian apprenticeship and traineeship pathway.

To honour the Australia Global Alumni based in the region, the Ambassador will be hosting a reception at the recently opened Australian-themed restaurant Bondi and Bourke. The reception will bring together Dabawenos who studied and trained in Australia, and key business personalities from the city for an evening of appreciation for Australian food, wine and culture. Australia Global Alumni in Davao are excelling in business, the academe, in development work and in government service.

“Australia Global Alumni play an important role in nurturing the strong relationship between Australia and the Philippines. They prove that our people-to-people links can create meaningful impact in encouraging trade and development in Mindanao.” Ambassador Gorely added.

In Mindanao, Australia works with local governments, local organizations and NGOs to support programs in education, technical vocational training, peacebuilding and disaster risk.

“President Duterte has done much to shine the spotlight on Mindanao, and we are pleased that Australia’s development cooperation in the region over the years align with the Administration’s economic and development agenda,” said Ambassador Gorely.

The Australian-funded Provincial Road Management Facility (PRMF) recently completed its road maintenance and rehabilitation including for seven provinces in Mindanao. The project rehabilitated 170.2 km of roads and helped maintain 161.7 km of roads for a total investment of PHP 655 million, to help improve access to markets, health facilities and schools.

The Australian Government also invested AU million over five years to support to Basic Education Assistance in Muslim Mindanao (BEAM-ARMM) which has trained over 12,000 teachers, established over 800 learning centers, and provided technical and vocational skills to 11,000 out of school youths.

Australia has also supported in humanitarian assistance to Mindanao in the aftermath of Zamboanga siege, providing permanent housing to up to 400 homeless families, and livelihood assistance including health, civil registration and psychosocial services to at least 1,000 families.

For more information on Australian Embassy’s programs, please check www.philippines.embassy.gov.au, like us on Facebook, Australia in the Philippines, and follow @AusAmbPH on Twitter. (PNA)
FPV/PR/EDS

Another Tinga syndicate member convicted on drug raps

MANILA, March 2 (PNA) -- Another member of the notorious Tinga drug syndicate which used to operate in Taguig City and was arrested by undercover agents for drug trafficking has been sentenced has been sentenced to reclusion perpetua or imprisonment for at least 30 years.

In a 32-page court decision released on Feb. 21, 2017, Judge Antonio Olivete of the Taguig Regional Trial Court Branch 267 found Elisa “Ely” Tinga guilty beyond reasonable doubt for selling PHP5,000 worth of “shabu” (methamphetamine hydrochloride).

Besides imprisonment, Tinga was also ordered by the court to pay a fine of PHP500,000. On a separate charge, the court also meted out a guilty verdict against Tinga for illegal possession of prohibited drugs and sentenced her to imprisonment between 10 to 15 years. Convicted with Tinga were her cohorts Andrea Escalante and Daniel Datinggaling.

The court ordered the immediate transfer of Tinga and Escalante from the Taguig City Jail - Female Dormitory to the custody of Correctional Institution for Women (CIW) located in Mandaluyong City while Datinggaling was ordered to be transported to the New Bilibid Prison in Muntinlupa City.

The case against Tinga stemmed from a buy-bust operation conducted by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), District Anti-Illegal Drugs - Southern Police District (DAID-SPD) and the Taguig City Police in July 2012 along Kalayaan Street in Brgy. Ususan, Taguig City.

During the entrapment operation, one of the undercover agents disguised as potential buyer of shabu handed Tinga PHP5,000 in exchange for a small plastic sachet containing white crystalline substance. She was arrested on the spot. Laboratory analysis revealed that the confiscated substance was shabu.

Tinga was the third most wanted person in the list of the illegal drug distributors in Taguig at the time of her arrest. She is the seventh member of the Tinga Drug Syndicate nabbed by the authorities since 1996. She is the wife of Noel Tinga who is reportedly the cousin of former Taguig City Mayor Freddie Tinga.

In September last year, Joel Tinga, another member of the Tinga Drug Syndicate, was also sentenced to reclusion perpetua for selling illegal drugs. There are still six other members of the syndicate, all bearing the surname Tinga, who are currently facing drug charges. (PNA)
BNB/CLTC

Road works to be conducted at night to ease traffic congestion

MANILA, March 2 (PNA) -- The Department of Transportation (DOTr), the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), and the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) have agreed that road works in Metro Manila should be conducted at night to lessen traffic.

The MMDA, DOTr, and DPWH officials directed contractors that road repairs and rehabilitations on major thoroughfares must be done from 10p.m. to 5a.m. the next day.

Contractors will be required to use quick dry cement on the road works to be able to meet the one day curing period.

These initiatives were outlined in a meeting held Wednesday afternoon by the DOTr, DPWH and the MMDA to strengthen inter-agency coordination on the conduct of road diggings, excavations and other similar works in Metro Manila.

The meeting was led by Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Arthur Tugade and Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Mark Villar to settle issues arising from road repairs especially on the major thoroughfares of the metropolis.

The MMDA will now be issuing excavation permits to DPWH district or regional officers instead of the contractors to expedite the completion of road repairs.

The DPWH will be in charge of the traffic management plan of the road projects which will be reviewed by the MMDA.

“With the new guidelines in the issuance of permits of excavation, we hope to address the additional traffic caused by on-going and unfinished road diggings,” MMDA General Manager Tim Orbos said.

Orbos also acknowledged Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade for initiating the holding of the meeting among the concerned government agencies to thresh out various issues and concerns.

The government agencies will also be requiring at least one contractor to attend the monthly meeting, scheduled every second Tuesday of the month, between MMDA, DPWH, and DOTr, starting April.

Furthermore, erring contractors shall be determined during such meetings for the imposition of appropriate sanctions.

MMDA has earlier suspended road reblocking projects until further notice and required DPWH contractors to submit the schedule of completion of their projects, warning that charges will be filed against them if they fail to comply.

Heavy traffic build-up was reported along EDSA southbound late last week due to the unfinished drainage improvement project of the DPWH along Cabrera Street in Pasay City. (PNA)

Labor groups to give DOLE ample time on forming new rules to curb 'endo'
By Ferdinand G. Patinio

MANILA, March 2 (PNA) -- A group of labor organizations is giving the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) ample time to come up with new rules to stop contractualization also known as 'endo' (end of contract).

Nagkaisa labor coalition spokesperson Rene Magtubo said they will wait for Labor and Employment Secretary Silvestre Bello III to respond to the order of President Rodrigo Duterte to "stop contractualization and no agency hiring."

With this, he noted that they were contented over the result of their dialogue with the Chief Executive last Monday.

"We were satisfied, naqualify kasi ni Presidente na ayaw niya sa agency (hiring of workers)," Magtubo said at the launching of the 30-day countdown for DOLE to release new rules prohibiting contractualization.

“As the alter ego of the President, Sec. Bello is hard pressed to comply with the order and to abide with the demand of workers without further delay,” he added.

On the other hand, the Tripartite Industrial Peace Council (TIPC) set to meet Thursday afternoon to discuss the new draft order, as ordered by Duterte.

The TIPC, composed of workers, employers and government representatives, serves as the clearinghouse of all labor polices, with the power to endorse proposed issuances to the DOLE Chief.

Likewise, the coalition is hoping that House Bill 4444 authored by Rep, Raymond Mendoza of the TUCP Partylist, which seeks total prohibition and criminalization of contractualization offenses, will gain ground in Congress once certified as urgent by the President. (PNA)

New mobile feature to weed-out anti-competitive behavior among telcos

MANILA, March 2 (PNA) -- A Senator on Thursday reiterated his call for the passage of a bill that could weed out anti-competitive behavior within the telecommunications industry.

Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian earlier filed SBN 1237 or the Mobile Number Portability Act which seeks to allow mobile users to retain their existing cell phone numbers when switching to a different service provider.

Gatchalian made this call as the Senate continues to conduct hearings on SBN 1302, which seeks to extend the legislative franchise of Smart Communications, the wireless subsidiary of PLDT, Inc.

The neophyte senator, chair of the Senate Committee on Economic Affairs, said that this measure can also improve the quality of services provided by industry players.

To recall, Gatchalian filed this measure last Nov. 14, 2016.

"The lack of consumer mobility in the telco industry leaves consumers with little choice but to suffer through inferior service for the sake of convenience," Gatchalian said.

"Allowing consumers to retain their mobile identity when switching service providers would force telcos to engage in genuine competition and improve their services if they want to persuade their existing customers to stay with them," he added.

Gatchalian said that his measure will also grant the National Telecommunications Commission powers to better exercise its vital regulatory functions in the telco industry.

He said that the Mobile Number Portability Act is a simple yet effective policy that can be implemented within a shorter time table while other reforms take more time to implement. (PNA)

Catbalogan-based 8th ID receives 242 new troopers

MANILA, March 2 (PNA) -- The Catbalogan City-based 8th Infantry Division's capability to conduct defense and humanitarian assistance missions was augmented with the deployment of 242 recently graduated privates.

This was disclosed by 8th Infantry Division public affairs office chief 1st Lt. Cherry M. Junia in a statement Thursday.

Send-off ceremonies for these new military personnel took place at Openiano Field, Camp Vicente Lukban, Catbalogan City.

"The newly enlisted privates will report to the line units of the 8th Infantry Division in Eastern Visayas and units deployed in Mindanao to carry out their mandated task in sustaining operation against any lawless elements that disturbed the peace and development of our nation," Junia added.

As this develops, 8th Infantry Division assistant commander Brig. Gen. Cesar Idio told the new soldiers to fulfill their constitutional mandate.

“As new soldiers, love and take care of your profession. Your job will bring a better life not only for you but also for your family. Likewise, respect each human rights, rule of law and international humanitarian law. Always remember, the security of the people lies on you. May the Lord bless you every day to bring you success in your chosen profession,” Idio added. (PNA)

Pimentel wants Jan 23 declared as 1st Philippine Republic Day

MANILA, March 2 (PNA) -- Senate President Aquilino Pimentel III has filed a bill seeking to declare January 23 as a special working holiday in commemoration of the First Philippine Republic and the founding of the Malolos Congress.

Under Senate Bill 1323 filed by Pimentel, the foregoing measure seeks to declare January 23 of every year as special working holiday in the entire country “to increase public awareness on the declaration of the First Philippine Republic.”

His bill is also meant to remind every Filipinos of our forefathers’ sacrifices in achieving independence.

Under the measure, the National Historical Commission, in coordination with the Department of Education, “shall plan and implement activities for the First Philippine Republic Day” to emphasize its significance to our national history and democracy.

"The inauguration of the First Philippine Republic has been regarded as of equal significance with the Declaration of Independence on June 12, 1898 at Kawit, Cavite," Pimentel said in his bill.

He said the First Republic was inaugurated at Barasoain Church, Malolos, Bulacan on January 23, 1899, after the success of the Philippine Revolution.

The Senate President noted that the event not only gave the Philippines the distinction as the “First Independent Republic in Asia”, but also officially marked the claim of Filipinos to sovereignty after more than three centuries of colonial rule.

"We need to commemorate the beginning of the Filipino democracy and self-government because the First Philippine Republic not only showed the political maturity of our forefathers but also their readiness to run a country even at that early point in our history," Pimentel said. (PNA)

DOJ conducts initial probe on raps vs Unilever execs, et al over Pasay concert deaths

MANILA, March 2 (PNA) -- The Department of Justice (DOJ) on Thursday started the preliminary investigation on the complaints for criminal negligence and violation of the Corporation Code against officials of Unilever Philippines and organizers of the Closeup Forever Summer concert in Pasay City last May 21 where five people died.

The respondents did not appear at Thursday's hearing but were represented by their lawyers.

DOJ Associate Prosecution Attorney Anna Noreen Devanadera directed the respondents to submit their counter-affidavits during the next hearing of the case on March 17.

Devanadera also directed the National Bureau of Investigation to submit additional evidence by March 6.

The NBI filed charges of criminal negligence and violation of the Corporation Code before the DOJ against Rohit Jawa, Unilever Philippines Chairman and CEO and currently the Executive Vice President for Operations South East Asia, Jesus M. Canlapan, Unilever Philippines Manager for Workplace Services and Facility Security, Alberto Curnelius Trinidad, Unilever's Marketing Director for Close-Up, Joy Dalanon-Ocampo, Country Manager for Safety, Health and Environment; Procurement manager Melissa Alcayaga; Close-Up Assistant Brand Manager Bea Lagdameo.

Also charged with the same offense are Michelle Suzanne Claire Quintana, Anna Kristina Doctolero, Baby Majalia Ahamadul, senior accounts manager of Activation Advertising Inc., Reginald Soriano, Eduardo Muego, John Paul Demontano, the owner and President of HypeHouse Production Corporation and Alexis Engelberto Aragon, owner of Delirium Manpower Services.

Lawyer Ariel Radovan, counsel of the families of victims Ariel Leal and Bianca Fontejon, said he is consulting with the lawyers of the other victims but he added there is a great chance they would file an amended complaint before the Department of Justice.

The other victims are Lance Garcia, Ken Migawa and Eric Anthony Miller.

“The NBI already submitted the formal report, the witnesses were summoned to swear on their respective affidavits but the complainants are thinking whether to amend the complaint to include other respondents. It is our position that other respondents must also be included in the charges. We are reviewing files and there is a probability that we are going to amend the files so that other corporate officials either from Unilever or Activation Group, should in our view be held accountable criminally,” Radovan told reporters in a chance interview prior to Thursday’s start of the preliminary investigation of the case at the DOJ.

“With due respect to the NBI, they were the ones who conducted the investigation and it is their prerogative but as private prosecutors, it is also our right and prerogative to include other personalities. We are not saying we are not satisfied with the NBI. The NBI have done their job but we, as private prosecutors, are concerned since we saw there are other corporate personalities who must be named as respondents in the case. I’m not saying the NBI has overlooked this but as private prosecutors to bolster our case, it is our right to amend the complaint,’ he added.

Radovan said though they respect the results of the investigation conducted by the NBI which led to the filing of charges against officials of Unilever and Activation, it is also within the right of their clients to include other respondents in the case.

He said they have until March 17 to decide whether or not to amend the complaint.

Earlier, the NBI said the Unilever executives and the organizers of the rave party also failed to consider several factors despite their assurance of a security master plan and ‘code red scenarios” adding that they failed to take into account the entry of illegal drugs in the concert venue and that only bomb sniffing dogs were deployed when they should also have positioned drug sniffing dogs in the area.

Likewise, the NBI said there was no coordination with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency to ensure that no illegal drugs will be able to enter the venue.

No simulation exercise was also held with the police.

Based on the autopsy and toxicological examination conducted on the victims, authorities said they tested positive for a designer drug known as methylenedioxymethamphetamine or MDMA methylene homolog and methylenedixy cathinone.

“The proximate cause of the death …is attributable to the inexcusable lack of foresight in failing to perform an act anticipatory that illegal drugs is so prevalent in a rave party to the effect that given the highest educational and scholastic attainment, professional achievement and degree of occupation as well as their intelligence the event’s master security and safety plan is silent and muted about illegal drug aggravated by the fact that those called upon to enforce said plan like the 300 bouncers lack the skill, expertise and experience to discriminate against said permicious drugs,” the complaint said.

The NBI also noted that the number of bouncers was inadequate to secure the event with a crowd of 16,761.

The NBI also said the event organizers also failed to consider the deployment of drug sniffing dogs, the conduct of simulation exercise with the police.

A report from Pasay City police stated that four casualties â€" namely Bianca Fontejon, 18; American national Eric Anthony Miller, 33; Ariel Leal, 22; and Lance Garcia, 36, were found unconscious while the concert was ongoing at the SM Mall of Asia. All four were brought to a hospital but died shortly thereafter.

The fifth casualty, Ken Migawa, 18, who was also found unconscious, was later brought to a hospital in critical condition and passed away last May 22. The five fatalities were not acquainted with each other. (PNA)

CA junks PCC plea on review of PLDT, Globe PHP70-B buyout of SMC telco assets

MANILA, March 2 (PNA) -- The Court of Appeals denied the petition of motion for reconsideration filed by Philippine Competition Commission (PCC) in relation to the review of the the Philippine Long Distance Telephone Company (PLDT) and Globe Telecommunications’ PHP70-billion buyout deal of the telco assets of San Miguel Corporation (SMC).

In a resolution dated Feb. 17, 2017 but was released to media on Thursday, penned by Associate Justice Ramon M. Bato Sr. and was concurred by Justices Maria Elisa Sempio Dy and Henri Jean Paul Inting, the CA’s 12th Division, denied PCC’s motion for reconsideration of its August 26 resolution as it stood by its findings that the existence of all the requisites for the issuance of a writ of preliminary injunction has been established by PLDT and Globe.

Last August 26, 2016, the CA issued a writ of preliminary injunction against PCC and its agents from conducting any investigation which would impair the rights of PLDT, Globe and SMC.

The injunction was issued in order not to affect the rights of the consumers and to protect the move to improve the interned speed and connection nationwide.

The petitioners, according to the CA, were able to establish the existence of a clear positive right that needs judicial protection during the pendency of the main case.

They argued that the deal has been deemed approved by operation of law since they have fully complied with the terms of the transitory circulars issued by the PCC.

PLDT said its wireless subsidiary Smart has been implementing the transaction and using the frequencies as part of its nationwide rollout.

They warned that a reversal of the transaction will result in “irreparable and incalculable injury to the public service.”

“We agree with PLDT that there is an urgent and paramount necessity to enjoin PCC from proceeding with the pre-acquisition review and/or investigation to prevent serious and irreparable damage to PLDT whose credit standing is at risk and its ability to borrow funds to fully roll out the previously unused/idle 700MHz spectrum may be jeopardized and unduly exposed it to violate the conditions imposed by NTC thereby impeding the three-year program of providing faster/reliable/affordable mobile data/internet to the consuming public all over the country,” the CA pointed out.

The CA noted that the utilization of the previously unused 700MHz by PLDT and Globe under a co-use agreement approved by the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) will greatly benefit the public.

The CA also branded as “misplaced” PCC’s contention that the issuance of the injunction effectively disposed of the case on the merits.

“We have to stress that the Court’s determination of the existence of all the requisites for the issuance of a writ of preliminary injunction is interlocutory and preliminary in nature. The granting of a writ of preliminary injunction is an interlocutory order because it does not dispose of the main case,” the CA held.

It will be recalled that PCC, in its Letters dated June 7 and June 17, 2016, it ordered the pre-acquisition review and investigation of the acquisition made by PLDT and Globe of all the issuing and outstanding shares and assets of Vega Telecom Inc., a subsidiary of SMC.

Pursuant to the Sale and Purchase Agreement executed on May 30, 2016, for an agreed purchase price of PHP52,080,764,982 under a deferred payment scheme (the sum of PHP26,040,382,490 was paid upon the execution of the contract, PHP13,020,191,246 to be paid on December 1, 2016 and PHP13,020,191,246 to be paid on May 30, 2017).

Both PLDT and Globe purchased on an equal sharing or 50-50 basis the entire issued and outstanding shares of stock of VTI.

The PCC Letters issued against both PLDT and Globe was hailed to the CA seeking to stop the former with its orders.

Also in resolution, CA issued a gag order directing it to remove immediately from its website its Preliminary Statement of Concern (PSOC) which contained an initial finding that the deal “is likely to substantially prevent, restrict and lessen competition” within the telco industry.

Likewise, the appellate court directed PCC, PLDT and Globe to cease and desist from issuing public comments and statements that would violate the sub judice rule and subject them to indirect contempt of the court.

“Applying the sub judice rule, PCC should immediately remove its PSOC posted in its website and refrain from making comments on the subject acquisition while the case is pending in court,” the resolution stated.

“Likewise, to be fair, PLDT should also refrain from making comments on the subject acquisition and desist from communicating their opinion to the public during the pendency of this case,” it added.

The gag order was issued upon the motion filed by PLDT where it claimed that the publication of the PSOC violates Republic Act No. 10667 which considers confidential the deliberations and investigation conducted by PCC.

The PLDT alleged that PCC’s continuing communication with the media to drum up public sympathy violates the sub judice rule. (PNA)

Palace slams 'thoughtless, irresponsible' HRW report

MANILA, March 2 (PNA) -- Malacañang on Thursday slammed a a Human Rights Watch report which claimed that President Rodrigo Duterte’s first six months has been a human rights calamity for the Philippines.

"The observation that the Philippines is in the midst of a 'human rights calamity' is thoughtless and irresponsible," Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella said in a statement.

The New York-based HRW earlier Thursday released a 124-page report titled “License to Kill” which gave an overview of Duterte’s war on drugs.

In the report, the international human rights group detailed specific cases of extrajudicial killings possibly perpetrated by the police and accused President Duterte of being criminally liable for the thousands of killings linked to the government’s war on drugs.

But Abella pointed out that the Duterte administration may have averted a human rights calamity due to actions of the government.

"Is it a human rights calamity when more than 1.1 million drug pushers and addicts have voluntarily submitted themselves to authorities? Is it a human rights calamity when rehabilitation centers are being constructed to treat drug dependents? Is it a human rights calamity when the sheer scope and magnitude of an emerging narco state have been exposed?" Abella said.

The Palace official also twitted the HRW for taking to task the government's focused and decisive war against illegal drugs, saying that "a war on criminality is not a war on humanity."

"On the contrary, it is a war precisely to protect humanity from a modern-day evil. To say otherwise is to undermine society's legitimate desire to be free from fear and to pander to the interests of the criminals," Abella said.

He added that claims made by HRW that police are involved in so-called vigilante killings and are planting evidence in crime scenes are nothing more than allegations.

"It (allegations) must be substantiated by solid evidence, eyewitness account and sworn statement/affidavit. Recovered firearms from drug suspects are kept in custody and subsequently presented before legal proceedings. Authorities have noted that there are cases when recovered firearms were traced to have been used in other crimes; most of these are loose and/or unregistered," he said.

"In short, all these accusations of circumventing police procedures should be proven in a competent court and if found meritorious should result in appropriate sanctions against the perpetrators. Failing these, such claims are mere hearsay," Abella stressed.

On the call by HRW for foreign governments to suspend assistance to the Philippines based on drug-related killings, the Palace official said “special interest groups should do their homework more diligently before attempting to engage in propaganda.”

"President Duterte has won on a platform for genuine change and this will remain as his only agenda to serve the interest of the people," Duterte said. (PNA)
JBP/CIELITO M. REGANIT

AFP deploys missile firing naval gunboat to Sulu vs Abu Sayyaf
By Ben Cal

MANILA, March 2 (PNA) -- The government’s all-out offensive against the Abu Sayyaf terrorists hiding in the jungles of Sulu and Basilan is being boosted with the deployment for the first time of naval gunboats armed with surface-to-surface missiles, according to Defense Secretary Delfin N. Lorenzana.

In an exclusive interview with PNA on Wednesday, Lorenzana said the surface-to-surface missiles are the latest weapons acquired by the Philippine Navy (PN) as the modernization of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) which is long overdue.

The Joint Task Force Sulu of the military presently commanded Army Col. Cirilito Sobejana, has mounted a relenting offensive against the Abu Sayyaf in the island of Sulu since Monday following the beheading of Jurgen Gustav Kantner, a German national hostage by the Abu Sayyaf since November last year.

Sobejana, a recipient of the Medal of Valor, the highest AFP medal for bravery in combat, has ordered a ground and air assaults on Abu Sayyaf lairs in the jungles of Sulu without letup.

Lorenzana said the deployment of naval gunboats armed with surface-to-surface missiles against the terrorist group shows the determination of President Rodrigo R. Duterte to crush once and for all the Abu Sayyaf.

He condemned the Abu Sayyaf for beheading Kantner, who had not committed a wrong doing against the terrorist group, adding that beheading is inhuman.

Lorenzana, a retired major general of the Philippine Army, and a highly decorated combat officer as commander of the famed Scout Rangers of the Philippine Army, said he expects the AFP to crush the Abu Sayyaf in a year.

He said that based on intelligence report there are about 300 Abu Sayyaf armed with high-powered firearms.

Even before the beheading, the Joint Task Force has been pounding Abu Sayyaf lairs with 105mm howitzers and helicopter gunships of the Philippine Air Force (PAF), using air-to-ground rockets and M60 machine guns the past week in an effort to rescue Kantner.

Some of the government troops pursuing the terrorists are equipped with night vision goggles.

Lorenzano said the AFP will buy additional night vision devices to upgrade their fighting capability at night.

“We will buy more for our soldiers,” Lorenzana said.

Night vision goggles enable the soldiers to operate at night and see the enemy where they are hiding during combat at night. (PNA)

PAF formally accepts 2 brand-new FA-50PHs

MANILA, March 2 (PNA) -- The Philippine Air Force on Thursday formally accepted the two brand-new FA-50PH "Fighting Eagle" jet fighters, which arrived in Clark Air Base, Pampanga last February 22.

Acceptance ceremonies took place at the Haribon Hangar of the said facility.

PAF spokesperson Col. Antonio Francisco said the jet aircraft, with tail numbers 005 and 006, was formally accepted by Air Logistic Command head Major Gen. Arnold Mancita.

Prior to the acceptance rites, the FA-50PHs undergone a series of acceptance flights by end-user test pilots with the presence of PAF Technical Inspection Acceptance Committee, Francisco added.

With the delivery of the pair, only six more FA-50PHs remain to be delivered to the PAF.

The PAF's 12-plane order from Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) is worth PHP18.9 billion.

The FA-50PHs has a top speed of Mach 1.5 or one and a half times the speed of sound and is capable of being fitted air-to-air missiles, including the AIM-9 "Sidewinder" air-to-air and heat-seeking missiles aside from light automatic cannons.

The FA-50PHs will act as the country's interim fighter until the Philippines get enough experience of operating fast jet assets and money to fund the acquisition of more capable fighter aircraft.

The FA-50PH design is largely derived from the F-16 "Fighting Falcon", and they have many similarities: use of a single engine, speed, size, cost, and the range of weapons.

KAI's previous engineering experience in license-producing the KF-16 was a starting point for the development of the FA-50PHs.

The aircraft can carry two pilots in tandem seating. The high-mounted canopy developed by Hankuk Fiber is applied with stretched acrylic, providing the pilots with good visibility, and has been tested to offer the canopy with ballistic protection against four-pound objects impacting at 400 knots.

The altitude limit is 14,600 meters (48,000 feet), and airframe is designed to last 8,000 hours of service.

There are seven internal fuel tanks with capacity of 2,655 liters (701 US gallons), five in the fuselage and two in the wings.

An additional 1,710 liters (452 US gallons) of fuel can be carried in the three external fuel tanks.

Trainer variants have a paint scheme of white and red, and aerobatic variants white, black, and yellow.

The FA-50PHs uses a single General Electric F404-102 turbofan engine license-produced by Samsung Techwin, upgraded with a full authority digital engine control system jointly developed by General Electric and KAI.

The engine consists of three-staged fans, seven axial stage arrangement, and an afterburner.

Its engine produces a maximum of 78.7 kN (17,700 lbf) of thrust with afterburner. (PNA)

Comelec eyes local service provider for 2019 polls

MANILA, March 1 (PNA) -- The Commission on Elections (Comelec) said it will also be looking at local service provider for the 2019 midterm polls, aside from the possibility of using the Precinct Count Optical Scan (PCOS) machines.

Comelec Chairman Juan Andres Bautista said the commission would want to listen to all concern whether they were international or local technology provider.

"What we want is to listen to stakeholders, look into all options, including at locally-produced equipment. If we are to look into all things being equal, then we should also patronize our own products,” this was Bautista's response to the question of Manila Auxiliary Bishop Broderick Pabillo at the Voter Registration Awareness Caravan held at the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila (PLM) on Wednesday.

The Catholic prelate believed that it is the right time to give chance to a local technology provider to be tapped in the 2019 polls, thus, replacing Smartmatic International, which was the service provider of the 2010, 2013 and 2016 polls.

“We all know that Smartmatic’s stint has been marred by problems. Why are we always tied up to them? Hopefully, we look for other companies. We have many local talents we can tap as early as now,” he said.

Pabillo is convinced that allowing local technology firm will give the conduct of elections in the country more transparent.

“The Filipino ingenuity would be better and more transparent for our elections,” he added.

The hybrid polling system, Transparent Election System (Tapat), was presented before the Comelec for the 2016 polls, but it was not considered due to lack of enough time to try and test the system.

But, Bautista assured that they will be conducting extensive consultations as to technology they will use in the next elections.

“For now, we have yet to choose any system for the 2019 elections. What I can promise is we will have a consultation of stakeholders before the Comelec chooses the system we will use in the next elections,” he added.

Currently, the Comelec is conducting assessment of the PCOS machines to see if they can still be used in the next polls. (PNA)

2 health bills advance to Senate plenary

MANILA, March 1 (PNA) -- Two health bills authored by Sen. Risa Hontiveros advanced to the Senate plenary on Wednesday despite the recent Senate reorganization.

Hontiveros, who used to chair the Senate Committee on Health, said that this development proved that her legislative work was “unhampered” by the recent developments.

These bills include Senate Bill No. 1190 or the Philippine Mental Health Act, which seeks to integrate mental health services and programs in the public health system.

She pointed out that the Philippines is one of the few countries in the world without a comprehensive mental health law.

The neophyte senator also sponsored Senate Bill No. 216, or The Amendments to the Anti-Hospital Deposit Act" that seeks heavier penalties on hospitals that continue to demand any deposit or other form of advance payment, as a prerequisite for admission or medical treatment of an emergency patient.

“Our legislative work speaks for itself. And now, despite being in the minority, this will not stop me from championing health legislations”, Hontiveros said.

"I hope these bills will greatly contribute in the realization of universal healthcare for the people. I hope my colleagues can cross party lines for the passage of these important measures," she added.

To recall, Hontiveros was ousted as Health Committee Chair after Sen. Manny Pacquiao moved to make the chairmanship and membership vacant.

Hontiveros, along with other senators belonging to the Liberal Party (LP), namely Senators Paolo Benigno Aquino IV, Leila de Lima, Franklin Drilon and Francis Pangilinan also transferred to the minority after being ousted from their chairmanships. (PNA)

DOE needs more teeth to prevent power plant shutdowns
By Azer N. Parrocha

MANILA, March 1 (PNA) -- The Department of Energy (DOE) should not “beg” power plants to schedule maintenance shutdowns, Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian said Wednesday noting that the agency needed more teeth to enforce rules.

“DOE needs the legislation to give it more teeth, meaning dapat wala nang pakiusap, more on reinforcement dapat para di tayo mawalan ng kuryente (meaning they shouldn’t beg, it should be more on reinforcement so that we don’t lose electricity). Then we can propose one,” Gatchalian said in a Senate hearing.

Gatchalian, chair of the Senate Committee on Energy, found it “incredulous” how previous Energy Secretaries had to beg power plants to schedule their maintenance shutdowns.

He stressed that planning is crucial in preventing power outages during maintenance shutdowns.

While a proposed legislation is not yet in place, Gatchalian said that he would make it a point to propose a bill to prevent simultaneous shutdowns in the future.

The neophyte senator also expressed his concern in plans to publicize the maintenance shutdown schedule.

"Ang ayaw natin dito magkaroon ng info and use that information to collude (We don’t want the information to be used to collude). Then again, we have to study the implications," the Senator said.

Gatchalian proposed that the powers of the DOE Secretary should compel certain actions, including preventing the curtailment of power.

However, he noted that some of the contracts have a mandated shutdown due to financial commitments. (PNA)

Philippine, India affirm growing partnership

MANILA, Mar. 2 (PNA) -- Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Undersecretary for Policy Enrique A. Manalo and Secretary (East) Preeti Saran of the Ministry of External Affairs of India affirmed the growing partnership between the Philippines and India during the 12th Philippines-India Policy Consultations and 3rd Strategic Dialogue at held at the Ministry of External Affairs in New Delhi.

In a Department of Foreign Affairs statement, the two sides during their meeting on February 28 reviewed the current state of their relations in the areas of defense, trade and investment, tourism, agriculture, renewable energy, science and technology, education, and culture.

They also identified a number of activities and actions to enhance relations in these areas, including the expeditious conclusion of several pending bilateral arrangements.

They exchanged views on regional and international issues, and also discussed the Philippine Chairmanship of Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), the 50th Anniversary of ASEAN, and the 25th Anniversary of ASEAN-India Dialogue Relations.

During the Strategic Dialogue, both the Philippines and India affirmed their shared interest in countering violent extremism and terrorism, enhancing maritime connectivity.

A number of cooperative measures were discussed in this regard. They also agreed on the importance of fully respecting international law, including the United Nations Charter and the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), in pursuing the peaceful resolution of disputes.

The Consultations and the Strategic Dialogue were held back-to-back with the 3rd Philippines-India Joint Consular Consultations Meeting held on February 28, also in New Delhi.

The Philippines and India enjoy very close and friendly ties since bilateral relations were formally established on November 16, 1949.

The members of the Philippine Delegation included Philippine Ambassador to India Ma. Teresita C. Daza, DFA Assistant Secretary for Asia and Pacific Affairs Millicent Cruz-Paredes, DFA Assistant Secretary for Consular Affairs Frank R. Cimafranca, and Department of National Defense Director Atty. Ronald Patrick T. Rubin. (PNA)

Filipinas Institute of Translation stresses need for more translators
By Juzel L. Danganan

MANILA, March 1 (PNA) -- Filipinas Institute of Translation president Michael Coroza has stressed the need for more translators amid the slow growth of the country’s translation industry.

"Filipino is only used for day-to-day transactions -- not for knowledge -- not a lot read books. We have to improve the literacy of the masses to change the current situation," Coroza said in a press conference for the “2017 Salinan International Conference: Translation and Translation Studies in Local and Global Contexts” held at the Luxent Hotel in Quezon City on Wednesday.

He pointed out that the lack of a regulatory body for translators has also hampered estimates on the total count of translators in the country.

National Commission for Culture and the Arts chairman Virgilio Almario, who is also a National Artist for Literature, said the potential Department of Culture will include a Bureau of Translation. Its creation was discussed in Congress last February during the first hearing of the priority bill, which proposes its enactment.

Coroza further said the lack of translation courses in universities and colleges also reflect student interest in translation. Currently, the University of the Philippines is the only school in the country offering the course.

He added that excellent translators earn from PHP30,000 to PHP120,000.

The translation industry includes interpretation, dubbing and simultaneous translation.

The Filipinas Institute of Translation is a non-governmental organization that aims to improve translation and the development of the Filipino language. (PNA)

Philippine Army to recruit 13,910 troops for 2017


MANILA, March 1 (PNA) -- The Philippine Army will recruit 13,910 new soldiers this year to fill up various units, its spokesperson Col. Benjamin Hao said Wednesday.

He said the distribution of the recruitment will be 349 officers (2nd lieutenant); 8,892 soldiers for the special quota as approved by the President; 1,069 soldiers for the newly organized 54th Engineer Brigade; and 3,600 soldiers representing the annual quota replacement in the Army.

Hao said most of the new recruits will fill up the Army infantry, cavalry and artillery units, while others will fill up the engineering, communication, logistics, and other administrative functions of the Army.

Of the total number of recruits, 10 percent will be allocated for female recruits, and 5 percent will come from Indigenous Peoples.

Once a candidate soldier is recruited and becomes a trainee, he or she will receive a gross monthly income of PHP16,852.

If enlisted, the new private will receive a starting gross monthly income of PHP23,204 plus a number of allowances and benefits.

Hao said the Army will prioritize its recruitment in the following order -- graduates of Military Science 43 and Advanced ROTC; college graduates or those who completed at least 72 units in college; and high school graduates who possess technical and vocational skills needed by the Army.

An applicant must be a natural-born Filipino citizen; at least 18 to 23 years old on the date of appointment as candidate soldier; at least 5'0" or 60 inches in height; single and without child; of good moral character; passed the Philippine Army Aptitude Test Battery / Armed Forces of the Philippines Service Aptitude Test; passed the pre-qualifying physical fitness test and physical medical exam; and must be physically and mentally fit for military training.

All interested applicants are advised to visit any of the Army Recruitment Centers in Fort Bonifacio, Metro Manila; Camp Lapu-Lapu, Cebu City; and Camp Evangelista in Cagayan de Oro City.

Hao advised applicants to bring with them identification cards, NBI clearance, and other pertinent documents.

They may also visit the Philippine Army website at www.army.mil.ph for further details. (PNA)
CVL/PFN

In-house IT department urged to go from maintenance hub to growth driver

MANILA, March 1 (PNA) -- A trend among businesses right now is “Going digital” since it boosts overall productivity in the workplace and in the market.

It means maximizing new and available technologies and models in the areas of Social Media, Mobility, Data Analytics, Cloud, and Security in order to make work and processes more efficient and effective.

TJ Rosal, Assistant Vice President for Sales and Marketing of CuroTeknika, stressed the importance of IT and said, “In light of the global digital shift, IT is in a position where it can make significant business impact. It is time for IT to take on a more strategic role within the organization by developing technology-driven tools, systems, and processes that add value to the business. This is an opportune moment for IT to make a shift from being a company’s mere maintenance hub to a major growth driver.”

IT infrastructure become more complex as their companies grow, placing IT in a dilemma of keeping their current infrastructure up and running rather than focus on strategic initiatives.

A study by the Computing Technology Industry Association, which surveyed 350 executives, revealed that companies outsource IT in order to improve efficiency and to free their IT staff to work on strategic projects.

"Businesses today need to be dynamic and agile. The IT of the future will be the enablers in enhancing value creation for businesses, paving the way to compete not only locally but globally. This is the time to explore new technologies and while they are at it, CuroTeknika can support the day-to-day upkeep of their IT infrastructure,” said Rosal.

With the help of a managed IT service provider like CuroTeknika, companies can stay on track or better yet ahead with strategies and projects that add more value to the business. (PNA)
RMA/ABP AND RACHEL PEREZ-OJT/PR/

DSWD, QC gov’t, GK to develop 130 housing units for PWDs

MANILA, March 1 (PNA) -- The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) on Wednesday signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with the Quezon City government and Gawad Kalinga (GK) Community Development Foundation on the planned construction of 130 two-storey housing units for QC residents who are differently abled.

According to a DSWD news release, Social Welfare Secretary Judy Taguiwalo signed for her department and Quezon City Mayor Herbert Bautista for the city government. The signing was witnessed by Congressman Jorge Banal Jr., officers of the Pamayanan ng May Kapansanan (PMK) and representatives of GK.

Under the agreement, the Quezon City government will oversee the land development, while GK will take charge of the housing component. The DSWD meanwhile will ensure the implementation of guidelines on the selection and awarding of the home lots.

The Beneficiary Selection Committee, to be headed by the DSWD, will select the persons with disabilities (PWDs) who will benefit from the project.

The housing project will be constructed at the DSWD’s National Vocational Rehabilitation Center (NVRC) compound in Barangay Escopa III. The 5,083-sq. meter project site will be built in conformity with Batas Pambansa 220, which promotes the development of economic and socialized housing projects for average- and low-income earners in urban and rural areas.

The DSWD will be also be responsible for defending the title of the property against any administrative or legal claim, suit, or proceeding.

Taguiwalo lauded the project and expressed hope that other local governments would follow suit and implement projects that would benefit PWDs and give them better access to social services, such as housing and health care.

The 2010 Census of Population and Housing has estimated that 1.4 million persons in the country have some form of disability.

“Providing them with free or socialized housing is a very important service and will significantly ease their financial burdens, which are myriad because they need to spend so much on medicine, health services, as well as special equipment,” Taguiwalo said.

She also appealed to all local governments to help enforce Republic Act No. 10754, or An Act Expanding the Benefits and Privileges of Persons with Disability.

"We hope that all business establishments covered by the law would implement the law and give what is due to PWDs,” Taguiwalo said. (PNA)

DOST assures PHL's commitment to Paris climate pact

MANILA, March 1 (PNA) -- Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Secretary Fortunato dela Peña said his agency will focus on programs that will ensure the Philippines’ commitment to the Paris Agreement on Climate Change.

“I understand that the DOST was a major participant in the development of our stand in the Paris Agreement and so whatever difficulties we may encounter, we are bound to extend our support so I think it is doable if all sectors will cooperate,” Dela Peña said in a press briefing in Malacañan on Wednesday, March 1.

President Rodrigo Duterte signed the Paris Agreement last Tuesday, February 28.

“For example, we have made a commitment that between the years 2000 to 2030, we have to reduce our carbon emissions by 70 percent. That’s really a big commitment,” Dela Peña explained.

“We have to intensify our research on renewable energies, on energy conservation, and on other areas... So we have to improve our programs,” he said.

“Of course, education will also be an important part,” Dela Peña said.

According to Dela Peña, human resource development is one of the key priorities of the DOST, adding that the DOST is providing scholarships to high school students with the completion of Philippine Science High School (PSHS) campuses all over the country.

“We have opened the last two regional campuses of Philippine Science High School with the opening last August of the regional campus in MIMAROPA located in Romblon and the regional campus for the Zamboanga Peninsula located in Dipolog,” Dela Peña said.

“We really would like to contribute to the President’s shall we say, desire of reducing inequality, of creating opportunities, and of expanding our potentials for growth,” he added.

The DOST chief said it is the first time that a President of the country “has included the promotion of science, technology, and innovation in his priority agenda.”

Dela Peña also presented the DOST’s 12-point agenda with research and development (R & D) to address pressing issues on top of the list. High on the R & D list are medicine discovery and advancement in food and nutrition, food production and developing better varieties of local poultry and livestock.

Meanwhile, Dela Peña said Dr. Renato Solidum, who was recently assigned as DOST Undersecretary for Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change Affairs, will remain as the officer-in-charge of PHIVOLCS.

Dela Peña said that while there should be a new director for PHIVOLCS to replace Solidum, there are ongoing projects in PHIVOLCS that would need his supervision.

Meanwhile, Presidential spokesperson Ernesto Abella, in the same press briefing, said President Duterte wants to sit down with jeepney drivers and operators who held a strike last Monday.

“The President assured the workers group that he would be holding a separate meeting with the jeepney strikers who held a national strike on the controversial plan to phase out old jeepneys,” Abella said.

Abella said President Duterte’s meeting with labor groups last Monday, which lasted for three hours, had been “free-flowing, frank and cordial.” (PNA)

MMDA to impose Php 6,500 fine for illegally parked vehicles along fire lanes in NCR

MANILA, March 1 (PNA) -- The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) is set to sign a memorandum of agreement with the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) Thursday that will impose a fine of Php 6,500 for illegally parked vehicles along designated lanes for fire trucks and ambulances across Metro Manila.

MMDA General Manager Thomas Orbos said that the initiative aims to provide an unimpeded flow for these vehicles to swiftly respond to emergencies.

Orbos said that the agency, in coordination with the BFP, would formulate a list of streets designated as fire lanes.

“Motorists must learn to make way for fire trucks passing through the fire lanes,” the MMDA official said in an interview with reporters.

Orbos disclosed that Scout Tobias and Scout Bayoran are now included in the fire lanes. Roads that are not Mabuhay Lanes or alternate roads to major thoroughfares may apply as fire lanes.

The agency will also deploy its towing trucks to clear obstructions, such as illegally parked vehicles, on streets leading to residential communities where there is an emergency. (PNA)

DPWH clears road obstructions along R-10, Bonifacio Drive

MANILA, March 1 (PNA) -- The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has conducted clearing operations on structures at the northbound direction of the 3-kilometer road from Bonifacio Drive, Port Area to R-10 in Tondo, Manila on Wednesday.

DPWH-National Capital Region (NCR) Director Melvin Navarro noted that teams composed of the DPWH, Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and local government units (LGUs) were formed to clear road obstructions along major thoroughfares in the National Capital Region (NCR).

“We are continuously working with the Manila City government, MMDA, and PNP (Philippine National Police) to ensure that this particular road space would remain free from any obstruction and ensure safety of our motorists and pedestrians,” he said in a statement.

Road right-of-way (ROW) violations were observed along the mentioned segments as it is being constantly occupied by illegally-parked vehicles, stockpiles of palochina wood and temporary structures of vendors.

”With proper and regular coordination with relevant stakeholders, we hope to make our national roads and sidewalks as spacious and safe as possible to our motorists and pedestrians,” Navarro added.

Under the provisions of Section 23 of Presidential Decree (PD) No. 178 also known as the Revised Philippine Highway Act, all DPWH Regional and District Engineering Offices are mandated to implement removal of obstructions in any manner or unlawful and private use within any portion of road ROW.

Road obstructions identified include but not limited to temporary and permanent structures such as buildings, houses, shanties, stores, shops, stalls, sheds, canopies, and billboards within road ROW.

The DPWH official said that the clearing of south bound direction of R-10 and Bonifacio Drive will follow as well as Roxas Boulevard.

On the other hand, Ed Santos, DPWH-NCR Assistant Director and Chief of Maintenance said that they structures are prohibited on ROW and sidewalk.

"Beyond the commerce of man ang road right of way pati sidewalk," he said.

Santos added that they will need the assistance of LGUs to be able to prevent people from returning to the areas that have been cleared.

"LGUS dapat naka agapay. Dapat Manila. May kasama pulis, MMDA, joint effort ng inter agency na dapat mamahala ng kalsada," he said. (PNA)

Muslim legislators condemn ASG beheading of German captive

MANILA, March 1 (PNA) -- Muslim lawmakers at the House of Representatives condemned the beheading by the Abu Sayyaf Group of a 70-year old German national, Juergen Kantner.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has confirmed that Kantner German was beheaded last February 26 after his government refused to pay the bandits' PHP30-million ransom demand.

"We have finally received information from reliable sources confirming that Mr. Juergen Gustav Kantner was mercilessly and inhumanly murdered by the evil KFR (kidnap-for-ransom) Abu Sayyaf Group," AFP public affairs office chief Col. Edgard Arevalo said in a message to the PNA.

In a statement on Wednesday, the lawmakers said that the Muslim community does not support “such brutal barbaric acts done not only to a foreigner but to any innocent person”.

"These acts of terrorism are not in accordance with Islamic region or way of life to which we as representatives of our people here in the Philippines belong," the group said.

The lawmakers also called for the public to spare the Muslim people from unfair generalization or unfounded discrimination.

Kantner was kidnapped by the ASG bandits while his yacht "Rockall" was cruising off Sulu waters last November.

His companion, 56-year-old Sabine Mertz, was shot and killed by the bandits and allegedly raped. (PNA)

DENR chief lauds PHL's accession to Paris Agreement
By Catherine J. Teves

MANILA, March 1 (PNA) -- The Philippines will enjoy multiple benefits from President Rodrigo Duterte's decision for the country to accede to the Paris Agreement on reducing global climate change-driving greenhouse gas emissions.

Environment chief Gina Lopez expressed such optimism, noting such decision is timely as the Philippines is among countries most vulnerable to climate change's impacts.

"The Paris Agreement will definitely bring a silver lining of hope to our sons and daughters - Filipinos of next generations - that they may continue to enjoy the country filled with bountiful natural resources and beautiful environment while having enough knowledge and wisdom to utilize these and be fully prepared for the new normal that is climate change," she said in a statement released Wednesday (March 1) after Malacanang announced earlier this same day that Mr. Duterte, as Climate Change Commission (CCC) Chairperson, already signed the Instrument of Accession to the Agreement.

Such instrument is already in the Senate awaiting concurrence, noted CCC.

Ratifying the Paris Agreement would enable the country to maximize its climate adaptation and mitigation efforts so people nationwide can have better protection from climate change's impacts, Lopez said.

"There's also no doubt we'll be able to fully transform our communities towards climate resiliency and embrace the principle of sustainable integrated area development as the way forward to achieving a green economy," she said further.

According to experts, increasing onslaught of weather extremes as well as sea level and temperature rise are climate change's impacts on the country.

The Philippines is responding to the climate change challenge by implementing various adaptation and mitigation initiatives, including the Enhanced National Greening Program on reforestation as well as coastal and marine ecosystems management, solid waste management and pollution control management, noted Lopez.

"We're one with the world in tackling the threat of climate change," she said.

CCC noted the Philippines' accession followed concurrence of 33 government agencies that are members of this commission's Advisory Board.

Lopez said the environment department welcomed, "with much joy and hope," President Duterte's decision supporting the Paris Agreement.

"The Philippines cannot abandon its commitment to address the single greatest threat facing our planet," she added, referring to climate change. (PNA)

China hosts media exchange program for 44 Asian, African journalists
By Jelly F. Musico

BEIJING, March 1 (PNA) -- China Public Diplomacy Association (CPDA) formally opened on Wednesday its 2017 Session of the China South Asia and Southeast Asia Press Center (CSASEAPC) and China African Press Center (CAPC) here.

The 10-month long media exchange program will be attended by 15 journalists from South Asian and Southeast Asian countries and 29 journalists from African nations.

Former Chinese foreign minister and CPDA president Li Zhaoxing urged journalists to take advantage of the opportunity to learn more about China and to promote friendship and cooperation with its Asian neighbors and African countries.

"I hope you can make contribution to our friendship and cooperation and to promote peace among Asian countries and to achieve universal and harmonious relations among nations," Li said in his speech during the joint opening ceremony of CSASEAPC and CAPC programs at the Jianguomenwai Diplomatic Residence Compound event center.

Li was joined by CPDA vice president Zhao Xiyuan who welcomed participants of the CSASEAFC and CAPC programs organized by the CPDA, a nationwide non-profit non-government organization (NGO).

The opening rite was witnessed by CPDA sponsors and officials, government officials and members of diplomatic corps including Ivan Frank M. Olea, Minister of the Embassy of the Philippines to China.

The CPDA was established in December 2012 by experts, scholars, celebrities, institutions, and enterprises with shared common interest to advance development of China’s public diplomacy, enhance understanding and friendship between China and the world.

The Asian press center started in 2016 but only this year that Southeast Asian countries have been included in the program.

The program will help 44 journalists to understand China better and its culture, people and economy which is the world’s second next to the United States.

The journalists will also be able to cover major domestic and international events such as upcoming two 5th session of the 12th National People’s Congress (NPC) and 12th National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) in March, the Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation in May and the 9th BRICS Summit in September.

The 15 Asian journalists include: Karokhail Parwaiz from Afghanistan, Hasan Mohammad Jubair (Bangladesh), U Zaw Ye (Myanmar), Ung Kaneka (Cambodia), Vaidyanathapura Narendra Apurva (India), Pandey Jay Prakash (India), Latsaphao Khonesavanh (Laos), Ibrahim Aminath (Maldives), Tiwari Nanda Lal and Sangroula Sangeet (Nepal), Asadi Muhammar Zamir and Khan Raza Muhammad (Pakistan), Jelly Musico (Philippines), Gadhenage Nilupul Priyankara Perera (Sri. Lanka) and Preechatham Suratt (Thailand).

On the other hand, the CAPC started in 2015 and this time will be participated by 29 journalists from Angola, Bostwana, Burundi, Cameroon, Congo, Cote d’Ivoire, D.R. Congo, Egypt, Ethiopia, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Kenya, Liberia, Malawi, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mozambique, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, Sierra Leone, South Africa, South Sudan, Sudan, Tanzania, Togo, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe. (PNA)

House approves death penalty bill on second reading
By Filane Mikee Cervantes

MANILA, March 1 (PNA) -- The House of Representatives on Wednesday night approved on second reading the contentious measure restoring the death penalty.

During Wednesday’s plenary session presided over by Deputy Speaker Raneo Abu, the lower chamber passed via viva voce voting House Bill No. 4727, or an act imposing the death penalty on certain heinous crimes.

The bill seeks to repeal Republic Act 9346 that prohibits the imposition of death penalty in the Philippines. It also seeks to further amend the Revised Penal Code and the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

The House leadership is targeting to pass the bill on third and final reading on March 15, before the lower chamber goes into a congressional recess.

Deputy Speaker Rolando Andaya Jr., Albay Rep. Edcel Lagman, Sagip Partylist Rep. Rodante Marcoleta, Akbayan Partylist Rep. Tom Villarin, Siquijor Rep. Rav Rocamora introduced individual amendments to the bill, but Oriental Mindoro Rep. Reynaldo Umali, one of the bill’s sponsors, rejected their proposals.

Umali noted that most of their proposals to delete the penalty of death under the bill defeats the purpose of HB 4727 and only serves as a dilatory tactic. He then moved for an omnibus rejection of such proposals.

Majority Floor Leader Rodolfo Fariñas also cracked the whip on the anti-death penalty lawmakers who stalled the proceedings, as he moved for a second roll call and would then proceed to terminate the period of amendments.

A total of 227 lawmakers responded to the second roll call.

Lagman proposed to vote on the death penalty bill through nominal voting, but the motion was lost since only 28 lawmakers stood up in favor of his motion. One-fifth of the quorum is needed for nominal voting.

Deputy Majority Leader Juan Pablo Bondoc moved to close the period of amendments and opened the floor to vote on the measure via viva voce voting, with ayes winning over nays.

Under the bill, the mode of capital punishment could either be through hanging, by firing squad or lethal injection.

The new version of the bill limits the crimes punishable by death to only drug-related offenses in a bid to strengthen the Duterte administration’s relentless war on drugs.

The substitute bill delists the crimes of plunder, rape, and treason from its coverage.

Umali explained that the Philippine drug problem provides a compelling reason as required by the Constitution for the death penalty restoration.

The bill said the penalty of life imprisonment to death and a fine ranging from Php 500,000 to Php 10 million shall be imposed upon any person involved in the following acts:

- importation of dangerous drugs and/or controlled precursors and essential chemicals;

- sale, trading, administration, dispensation, delivery, distribution and transportation of dangerous drugs and/or controlled precursor and essential chemicals;

- maintenance of a den, dive or resort where any dangerous drug is used or sold in any form;

- manufacture of dangerous drugs and/or controlled precursors and essential chemical; possession of dangerous drugs;

- criminal liability of a public officer or employee for misappropriation, misapplication or failure to account for the confiscated, seized and/or surrendered dangerous drugs, plant sources of dangerous drugs, controlled precursors and essential chemicals, instruments/ paraphernalia and/or laboratory equipment including the proceeds or properties obtained from the unlawful act committed;

- criminal liability for planting evidence.

The measure also requires the Public Attorney’s Office and the Office of the Solicitor General to create a special panel composed of senior lawyers to handle the automatic review or appealed cases of the death penalty.

The bill said another amendment requires the public prosecutor to furnish copies of case information to the Commission on Human Rights (CHR), the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP), the Free Legal Assistance Group (FLAG), and other religious and civic organizations.

Capital punishment was last suspended in 2006 by former president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

President Rodrigo Duterte, however, has called for the passage of the measure to stop the proliferation of drugs and criminality. (PNA)

Schools urged to be sensitive to financial plight of parents

MANILA, March 1 (PNA) -- Private and public schools nationwide should be more sensitive than ever now to the financial troubles of Filipino families when they figure out how much fees they will be charging in the next academic year, 1-ANG EDUKASYON Party-list congressman Salvador Belaro, Jr. said Tuesday.

February 28 was the deadline for higher education institutions nationwide to conduct their tuition fee consultations with their stakeholders, according to Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Memorandum on Tuition Fee Increases (Memo Order No. 3, S. 2012).

"The latest findings of the Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey on adult joblessness is a telling sign the affected 11.2 million adults will have great difficulty sending their dependents to school in the coming school year," Rep. Belaro, a former school administrator said.

Belaro also said "having senior high school as a buffer before college or higher technical training now allows Filipino families to prepare well and save for their kids' education."

Belaro, a former college of law dean, also urged the Department of Budget and Management and the Commission on Higher Education "to release very soon" the implementing rules and regulations on free college tuition in state universities and colleges.

"The month of March is the right time to release the IRR so families with college-ready students for June and August will have enough time to prepare," Belaro said.

He also called on students entering Grade 11 next school year to choose well the specialized senior high school track they will take. "While our country needs youths needed for the workplace, we also need more students to take up sports, arts, and humanities as careers. Less than 2,000 are in the sports track and less than 3,000 took the arts and design track in the current school year," Belaro stressed.

The 1-Ang Edukasyon congressman asked the education agencies and experts in education to inform Congress on why enrollment in these two senior high tracks were so low.

"How can the Philippines win Olympic gold medals, grand prizes in international art festivals, and earn the Oscars award in the foreign language film category if enrollments in these tracks are so low? From these youths, the achievers in sports and arts will come. We need more." (PNA)

OPS to be revived, to replace PCOO - Andanar

MANILA, March 1 (PNA) -- The Office of the Press Secretary (OPS) will soon be revived to replace the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO).

This was announced by PCOO Secretary Jose Ruperto Martin Andanar, at the celebration of the 44th anniversary of Philippine News Agency (PNA) and the blessing of the newly-renovated International Press Center (IPC), located at the National Press Club (NPC) Building, in Intramuros, Manila on Wednesday.

"On the desk of the President right now is the Executive Order reverting back to the Office of the Press Secretary...antayin lang natin na mapirmahan and then we can officially release that, at the same time, bubuhayin lahat ahensya especially News and Information Bureau (NIB), PNA...this is a good start," he said.

At the same time, Andanar acknowledged those behind the PNA for being there and experiencing "the evolution of the tools for communication--from the humble typewriter to the dizzying development in today's technology, highlighted by the myriad amazing real possibilities offered by the Internet and various gadgets."

"From an era of tele-type news wire operations when PNA was launched more than four decades ago to a web-based news wire service it has become in 2003, it is not only the changes in form and means, but also the challenges of the news information that should make the PNA remain relevant and crucial, in this case, to the administration of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte," he said.

The government official added, "As a reliable arm of the government, you have to echo PRRDs message: No to drugs, criminality , and corruption in government. Yes to efficient, cheerful, and speedy service to the public. Make known to the general public the accomplishments of the Duterte administration from the war on drugs to the production of the environment, labor, and agricultural workers, to the sovereign foreign relations. To reiterate your theme, 'Tell Stories that Inspire Change.'"

The PNA has 18 bureaus in different provinces in the country namely: Tuguegarao, Dagupan, Baguio, San Fernando (Pampanga), Legazpi, Tacloban, Iloilo, Cebu, Bacolod, Dumaguete, Puerto Prinsesa, Antique, Laoag, Cagayan de Oro, Zamboanga, Davao, Cotabato and General Santos.

The IPC and PNA are attached agencies of the NIB, which is under the PCOO.

Meanwhile, at the celebration of the founding anniversary of PNA, Dir. Virginia Arcilla-Agtay announced that the new website of the news service of the government will be launched mid March.

The new website will be faster and easy to use; mobile responsive; social media fee and sharing and photo and video capable.

The current PNA website was launched 14 years ago.

The goals of the new website: to provide accurate and timely news its partner agencies; to become a globally competitive news website platform; to reach a wider audience world-wide through website and mobile app (coming soon) and to be more appealing to millennials who are social media savvy. (PNA)

Cardinal Tagle's Ash Wednesday message

MANILA, March 1 (PNA) -- Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle urged the faithful to remember Jesus Christ who never left them.

"Sa apatnapung araw ng Kuwaresma, tayo ay inaanyayahan na alalahanin si Hesus na hindi nang-iwan sa atin, upang tayo ay huwag ding mang-iwan sa kanya," he said in his Homily during the Ash Wednesday Mass, he presided at the Arzobispado de Manila in Intramuros, Manila.

"Mga kapatid, nagsimula na naman sa araw na ito ang banal na panahon ng Kuwaresma. Apatnapung araw na ibinibigay sa atin upang tayo ay makapaghanda na sumabay kay Hesus, maglakbay patungo sa kanyang kamatayan dala ng pag-ibig sa atin," he added.

Ash Wednesday is the start of the 40-day Lenten Season.

Likewise, the head of the Archdiocese of Manila asked the people to be intense in hearing, readying and praying the word of God.

"Sana po sa apatnapung araw na ito ng Kuwaresma, maging marubdob ang ating pakikinig, pagbabasa, pagdarasal ng Salita ng Diyos," he said.

Tagle added, "Ang Salita ng Diyos ay liwanag sa ating paanan, sa ating paglalakbay. Ang Salita ng Diyos, kapag pinakinggan at hinayaang tumimo sa ating puso, ito ang magiging daan para lalo tayong makakilala sa Diyos at maiugnay natin ang kalooban natin sa kanyang kalooban. Salita ng Diyos."

Tagle noted that people should not give importance to words that did not come from God.

"Minsan, mas binibigyan natin ng panahon ang kung anu-anong salita. Hindi naman nangagagaling sa Diyos, pero 'yun ang pinahahalagahan. Nagre-react tayo at tumutugon sa mga salita na hindi naman galing sa Diyos. Buti pa 'yung mga walang katuturang salita, pinakikinggan at may tumutugon," he said.

The Catholic prelate added that faithful should also learn change their inner selves not for only for themselves but towards God.

"Ang isang mahalagang bahagi ng pagbabagong-loob, ang loob, hindi na nakabaling sa sarili. Nakabaling sa Diyos, sa pamamagitan ng kanyang salita, at nakabaling sa kapwa," he said. (PNA)

Anti-drug war is not just Pres. Durterte's fight, it's ours --Cayetano

MANILA, March 1 (PNA) -- "It should now be our people's war against drugs, not just Pres. Duterte's drug war," Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano said Wednesday welcoming the President’s decision to resume the campaign against illicit drugs.

Cayetano, a staunch ally of Pres. Duterte, said that it is the fight of all Filipinos because it is a fight for "families' safety, rights and values".

"This is our people's war on drugs, our fight for the right of every family to a peaceful and safe community, to uphold the right of every peace-loving Filipino to be protected," Cayetano said.

Cayetano also called on the public anew to continue supporting the campaign. Noting that it will be pursued by "efficient and honest" police personnel with anti-drug operatives of the government.

He also urged local government units, agencies, and the civic, religious, and youth sectors to initiate and implement their own programs for their communities' safety and for the rehabilitation of drug-affected families in their towns.

"We need all the help we can get to succeed in our fight. And so I also call on our people, our families and all sectors in society to help us win our war, our people's war against drugs."

Cayetano, meanwhile, urged "decent" law enforcers to continue to be vigilant in order to prevent rogue cops from pursuing their criminal activities.

He said the campaign is still under the supervision of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) but will be backed by smaller task forces composed of cops with no history of corruption.

The senator also thanked Pres. Duterte for reiterating his commitment to wiping out illicit drugs as it would mean fewer crimes and more peaceful communities.

On Monday, Pres. Duterte let the PNP to decide if it is ready to resume anti-drugs operations and asked the PNP chief to look for "young men with patriotic fervor to serve".

PNP chief Director General Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa assured that the policemen involved in the new campaign against illegal drugs would be meticulously selected.

At present the PNP’s internal cleansing program is ongoing. (PNA)
JBP/AZER N. PARROCHA

3 NBI officials to appear at DOJ reinvestigation on Jee kidnap-slay case

MANILA, March 1 (PNA) â€"- A total of three National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) officials and five other respondents are expected to appear at the resumption of the Department of Justice (DOJ) reinvestigation of the kidnap-slay case of South Korean businessman Jee Ick Joo.

The DOJ panel composed of Senior Assistant State Prosecutors Juan Pedro Navera and Olivia Torrevillas, who handle the re-investigation on the kidnapping for ransom and serious illegal detention with homicide case set the hearing on Thursday at 2 p.m. where the respondents are set to file their respective counter-affidavits in response to the accusations against them.

The Philippine National Police-Anti-Kidnapping Group (PNP-AKG) filed the case against policemen tagged in Jee's abduction - Senior Police Officer 3 (SPO3) Ricky Sta. Isabel, who was tagged as the prime suspect in the case, former PNP Anti-Illegal Drugs Group-Pampanga (AIDG) head Superintendent Rafael Dumlao III, SPO4 Roy Villegas, Gerardo Santiago, owner of the Gream funeral parlor, Jerry Omlang, and Ramon Yalung.

The PNP-AKG said that based on Dumlao's statement, the three NBI officials - former NBI deputy director for investigation services Jose "Jojo" Yap; former National Capital Region (NCR) director Ricardo Diaz and former Task Force against Illegal Drugs head Roel Bolivar - have also been named as new respondents in the charges.

Also included in the respondents are five employees of Gream funeral parlor identified as Epephany Gotera; Teodolito Macato Tarepe; Kevin Enriquez; Robert John Tobias and Bernardo Maraya; while other suspects tagged in the case were identified only through aliases "Pulis," and several John Does.

Aside from added respondents, PNP-AKG added four criminal charges against the suspects.

The 11-page complaint signed by Luzon Field Unit (LFU)-AKG Chief Sr. Supt. Rodolfo Castil said that aside from kidnapping for ransom and serious illegal detention with homicide charges include charges of robbery, carnapping, falsification of document and obstruction of justice.

Castil said that robbery committed on Oct. 18, 2016 by four ATM withdrawals in the amount of PHP20,000 cash each withdrawal using Jee Ick Joo’s BPI Master Car at BPI Bank Greenhills in San Juan City.

The violation of carnapping of one Ford Explorer with plate no. ABT-1915 owned by the victim while falsification of public document on victim’s death certificate on Oct. 19, 2016 at Caloocan City.

In a related development, Angeles City, Pampanga Regional Trial Court Branch 58 Judge Irineo Pangilinan Jr., ordered the withdrawal of the petition for bail one of the accused Ramon Yalung.

”In today’s hearing on the petition for bai, accused-movant Ramon Yalung appeared and withdrew his petition,” Pangilinan said in his one-page order dated Feb. 28.

In a five-page petition for bail, Ramon Yalung said the investigation result of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) did not identify him as one of those who participated in the abduction and killing of Jee.

He added that co-accused Villegas and Omlang, who both admitted their participation to the crime did not name him as their cohort.

"Jerry Omlang and SPO4 Roy Villegas both did not name herein accused as part of the group who abducted, detained and later killed Jee Ick Joo. Neither did they mention his presence in the crime scene on that day," the petition stated.

Yalung said his name was only dragged into the case because of the Toyota Innova with plate number TXS-763 owned by his mother was seen trailing the vehicles that abducted Jee.

To recall, the Jan. 17 resolution penned by Torrevillas only named three accused in the kidnapping for ransom with homicide case: Sta. Isabel, Villegas and Yalung while other suspects tagged in the case were identified only through aliases "Pulis," "Ding," "Jerry," and "Sir Dumlao."

The resolution was received by the Pampanga Regional Trial Court Branch 58. The local court granted primary suspect Sta. Isabel's request for reinvestigation.

RTC Judge Pangilinan gave the DOJ 60 days "to conduct the reinvestigation and to submit the resolution."

The court also reset the arraignment of the accused to April 19. (PNA)

Military pursuing NPA rebels behind torching of truck near Agusan Del Sur school

MANILA, March 1 (PNA) -- Military units are now pursuing New People's Army (NPA) insurgents who terrorized students of Sta. Cruz Elementary School in Rosario Agusan Del Sur after burning a prime mover near the facility on Tuesday.

Reports from the 401st Infantry Brigade disclosed that the NPAs flagged down and burned the truck at the national road, just 300 meters away from the school, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) public affairs office chief Col. Edgard Arevalo said in a statement Wednesday.

The prime mover was drawing a container van of bananas from Sumifru Corporation. It came from Tagbina town and was bound for Davao. Its batteries and tires were partially burned.

“Worried parents rushed to the school to fetch their children upon learning of the incident. They condemned the NPA upon seeing their kids trembling in fear. They vowed to report to us the presence of the NPA next time,” 401st Infantry Brigade commander Col. Cristobal N. Zaragoza said.

He also suspects that the NPAs deliberately planned to perpetrate the crime near the school to slow down responding government forces.

“This incident only underscores the NPA’s clear disregard for human life. They endanger the lives of innocent civilians, even children just to attain their ends of bleeding money from private companies,” Arevalo added.

“Rest assured that our operations to frustrate the ends of the NPA will continue. And they will be deliberate, focused, surgical, and intelligence driven to ensure the safety of our people, especially children,” he stressed. (PNA)

MMDA starts Estero Blitz for cleaner waterways

MANILA, March 1 (PNA) -- The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) launched Wednesday its annual cleaning and de-clogging of waterways such as creeks and esteros in Metro Manila in preparation for the rainy season.

Hundreds of personnel from the MMDA Flood Control and Sewerage Management Service started its clean-up activity this morning at the Estero Tripa de Gallina in Malate, Manila.

Despite the regular clean-up, Estero Tripa de Gallina has always been swamped with domestic waste materials coming from the up-stream as well as mid-stream areas of the waterway due to several houses built along and near the creek.

The MMDA personnel will also be de-clogging and cleaning up waste materials from March 1 to July 26 at the following waterways: Pasig River Basin in Port Area, Manila; Estero de San Miguel, Estero de Quiapo, Estero de Magdalena, and Estero de Maypajo also in Manila;

Lapu-lapu/ Spine Open Canal and Letre Open Canal in Malabon City; Pasong Malapad Creek and the lagoon in Caloocan City; Waling-waling Creek and Tanque Creek, Sta. Lucia Creek and Villa Creek in Quezon City; Pinagkatdan Creek in Pasig City; Balanti Creek in Marikina City;

Pinagsama Creek in Taguig City; Sto. Rosario-Silangan River in Pateros; Estero Tripa de Gallina â€"Buendia Outfall in Makati City; Sto. Nino Creek in Pasay City; Dahlig Creek in Las Pinas City; Pasong Diablo River in Muntinllupa City; Coastal Open Canal in Paranaque City; and Libertad Retarding Pone in at Libertad Pumping Station in Pasay.

“We have to do this periodically to maximize the conveyance capacity of our open waterways in anticipation of the forthcoming rainy season,” MMDA General Manager Tim Orbos said in a statement.

Furthermore, he reiterated that barangay officials should take responsibility in cleaning waterways within their respective jurisdictions.

The MMDA has earlier stated that it has sought the assistance of the Office of the Ombudsman to sue barangay officials who allow the waterways to be polluted despite repeated cleanup by the agency.

According to the MMDA, there are 37 pumping stations in Metro Manila being operated and maintained by the agency.

Among the flood-prone areas in the metropolis include Sampaloc, Manila and its immediate vicinity; Rizal Avenue corner R. Papa in Manila; Makati Diversion Channel, South Superhighway-Buendia; Maysilo Circle-Boni Avenue, Kalentong St., New Panaderos St., Shaw Boulevard and Acacia Lane in Mandaluyong;

Brgy. Dona Imelda, Damayang Lagi, Tatalon and Talayan in Quezon City; Quiapo, Manila and its immediate vicinity; and Ninoy Aquino Avenue and its immediate vicinity in Paranaque. (PNA)

LP House contingent cannot take over minority bloc -- Suarez

MANILA, March 1 (PNA) -- The minority bloc at the House of Representatives on Wednesday said the Liberal Party cannot become the new minority just by sheer number alone if it decides to bolt out of the supermajority coalition after the second reading vote on the death penalty.

In a press conference on Wednesday, Minority Leader and Quezon Rep. Danilo Suarez said if the LP House contingent wants to become the new minority, they would have to declare the Speaker vacant first, call for an election and field a candidate.

The House rules state that those who will not vote for the winning speaker and those who opted to abstain will form part of the minority, who will then elect among themselves their own leader.

"If they have enough number, can they be the minority? No, you have to change the Speaker," Suarez said.

The LP has yet to solidify its position on whether to stay or leave the supermajority in the lower chamber, deferring its decision until after the second reading vote is cast on the bill restoring the death penalty.

This after the major reorganization in the Senate, wherein LP senators were ousted from leadership posts and committee chairmanships.

There are 32 LP members in the House of Representatives, 27 of them belonging to the supermajority coalition.

Meanwhile, the House minority bloc led by Suarez is composed of 18 members.

For his part, Deputy Minority Leader and Kabayan Partylist Rep. Harry Roque said that LP members cannot simply declare themselves as part of the minority because it has to be decided upon by the minority bloc first.

Without their approval, Roque said the LP members would be considered as an independent bloc.

"Even if they declare it vacant, they must have numbers to declare it vacant. They have to be admitted as members of the minority," Roque said.

"If the minority does not accept them, then they will become independent," he added. (PNA)
JBP/FILANE MIKEE CERVANTES/EDS

US discusses efforts to stop wildlife trafficking

MANILA, March 1 (PNA) -- The Information Office of the United States Embassy in Manila will hold a telephonic press briefing on how the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs combats wildlife trafficking through the cooperation of Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) countries on Friday.

Deputy Assistant Secretary (DAS) Daniel Foote from the U.S. Department of State Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs will be the keynote speaker.

The briefing takes place on World Wildlife Day.

Wildlife trafficking is a multi-billion dollar criminal enterprise that poses not only a critical conservation concern, but also represents a serious threat to the security and economic stability of the countries involved.

World Wildlife Day presents an opportunity to raise public awareness about the impacts of wildlife trafficking on the natural environment and the people who share it, and the key role that the U.S. is playing to combat this illegal activity. (PNA)